7 October 2008

• New venue will contain purpose built Convention Centre

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson today 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 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."

- ends -

Notes to editors
For more information:

For further media queries, please contact Davies Tanner:
Sarah Whelband on +44 (0)1892 619 100 or sarah.whelband@daviestanner.co.uk

About ExCeL London
ExCeL London is the UK's premier events, exhibitions and conference venue, located in London on a 100-acre site alongside Royal Victoria Dock in London's Docklands, between Canary Wharf and London City airport. Since opening in November 2000, ExCeL London has hosted over 2,000 events including: trade and consumer exhibitions, conferences, sales meetings, product launches, annual general meetings, award ceremonies, sporting events and religious festivals. More than five million people from almost 200 different countries have visited ExCeL London.

About the builders

Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd is a leading UK construction and civil engineering company. The company has a proud record of achievement since it was founded in 1869.  The business is family owned and is renowned for its pioneering approach to construction and its commitment to service, which has ensured the company remains at the forefront of the industry.

In July 2008 Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd were delighted to be appointed to carry out a design, manage and construct contract for the Phase 2 extension to ExCeL London. The Project value is approximately £150M. This is the latest in a series of contracts we have worked on at the site since completing the original venue in 2000.

Construction of Phase 2 commenced on site on 11th August 2008 with overall completion scheduled for Spring 2010. The works consist of the installation of over 2,400 land piles and approximately 150 marine piles, these marine piles being required to accommodate an extension of the building 35m out over the Royal Victoria Dock. Approximately 8,000 Tonnes of steelwork are to be erected and approximately 30,000 m3 of concrete is due to be poured. The extension connects directly to the east end of the existing venue, which is to remain fully operational throughout the duration of the project.

Media contact

Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd
Eaton Court
Maylands Avenue
Hemel Hempstead
Hertfordshire
HP2 7TR
Tel: 01442 233444, Fax: 01442 230024, www.sir-robert-mcalpine.com

About the architects
The Grimshaw architectural team were asked to build on the flexibility and versatility of Excel as a world class exhibition venue. We are therefore delighted that the design has proved so adaptable that it can also accommodate seven Olympic and five Paralympic events. This "loose fit" approach seems entirely appropriate in an age of scarce resources. Grimshaw is an internationally recognised architectural practice with offices in London, New York and Melbourne, employing over 200 people.