- New venue will contain purpose built Convention Centre
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has signalled the commencement of building work on the next phase of development at ExCeL London by laying a commemorative foundation stone.He confirmed the development will secure ExCeL's position as London's international exhibition and convention centre, and highlighted the benefit the extension will bring to London and the UK.
The plans will increase ExCeL London's event space by 50 percent and includes a 5,000 seated convention centre. An independent study by Grant Thornton showed that the economic impact of ExCeL London and its new expansion will bring £1.6 billion to London by 2011. The venue currently supports 26,000 jobs, growing to 38,000 following the completion of Phase 2 and will directly create 3,400 jobs by 2011.
The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "The creation of ExCeL London has played a major role in regenerating east London by attracting new businesses and bringing thousands of jobs to the area. Its expansion is just another example of how the 2012 Games are acting as a catalyst for change to leave a lasting legacy and transform this area of the capital."
Already a world class venue & Business Superbrand, hosting some the UK's largest consumer and trade shows, as well as attracting international conventions, corporate clients and sporting events, ExCeL London will also play a central role in 2012 hosting seven Olympic and five Paralympic events.
Kevin Murphy, Chief Executive of ExCeL London said: "We are honoured to have support from the Mayor of London for our extension plans, this development will help secure London's position as the Events Capital of the world, through into 2012 and far beyond. We look forward to inviting the Mayor back in 2010 for our official opening."
- ExCeL London Appoints New Managing Director
Following this announcement, ExCeL London has also appointed David Pegler as Managing Director to head up the Sales Divisions of both Exhibitions & Conference & Events.
Due to high demands on the venue's space and prior to the completion of the Phase 2 extension, ExCeL London felt it was necessary to change its internal commercial structures to deliver the best and most efficient use of its space, whilst still focussing on delivering first class customer service.
David Pegler will start as the new Managing Director at ExCeL London on 10th November. David will head up both sales divisions and manage the sales, sales planning, sales support and marketing of both teams.
Commenting on David's appointment, Kevin Murphy, Chief Executive, ExCeL London: "I am delighted to announce the appointment of David Pegler. He was my first choice and it is testament to ExCeL's standing in the market that we have secured his services. David knows and understands our business and will fit with ExCeL perfectly. Our future is both exciting and challenging and David's appointment further strengthens our award wining teams to deliver our ambitious vision and remain the venue of choice."
Said David Pegler: "I am extremely excited about joining ExCeL London. It is a world class event venue who have the vision and ambition to further invest in enhancing and improving its offering to the global events market."