Announcement brings EICC expansion one step closer

The planned expansion of the Edinburgh International Conference Centre took an important step forward today as EICC Ltd announced its intention to appoint Sir Robert McAlpine as principal contractor – subject to EICC Board and Council approval.

The development, which was granted full planning consent by the Council in February, includes a separate commercial office development.

Cllr Jenny Dawe, Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, said: "Additional high quality conference space at the EICC is essential for Edinburgh to retain and enhance its business tourism reputation and to bring more world class conferences and events to the city.

"The appointment of a contractor is an important milestone towards providing this – and towards developing the last vacant site in the Exchange district and the regeneration of Edinburgh's West End.”

EICC Chief Executive Hans H Rissmann OBE said: "We are delighted to have taken another step forward in delivering our additional function space in the same week that we report a strong financial performance for 2009."

Linda McPherson, regional director, Scottish Enterprise, added: "The EICC is one of Edinburgh's most important assets in terms of attracting lucrative exhibitions and conferences to the capital.  We are pleased to see the expansion project reach this important milestone and will continue to work closely with our partners to ensure successful delivery of the facility."

The selection process, conducted under the European Union restricted procedure, began in July 2009, prompting initial interest from 24 companies, which were subsequently reduced to a short list of six.

The appointment of the contractor will be considered by the Council at its meeting on 24 June. If approved, work will begin late July and is scheduled for completion by December 2012.