Work on new £333million conference centre to start

AECC aiming to be one of UK’s premier events venues

More than 500 staff will strive during the next three years to transform this substantial expanse of Aberdeen dirt into one of the UK’s premier events venues.

And work is now ready to begin on the new £333million Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre after developer Henry Boot chose Moray firm Robertson Group as its main contractor.

Yesterday, Derek Shewan, chief operating officer of Robertson, met Nick Harris, of Henry Boot, to inspect the site at the former Rowett Research Institute at Bucksburn, in advance of the 50-year-old company’s biggest contract to date.

Established in Elgin in 1966, Robertson now employs 1,900 staff across Scotland and England.

The firm is currently building a new £120million visitor centre and distillery for global luxury brand The Macallan and was recently commissioned to deliver a £60million Orkney hospital.

In constructing the AECC, the firm will level the site before creating roads and supporting infrastructure, prior to beginning work on the ambitious 12,500-seat arena and 200bed hotel.

Mr Shewan said he was proud a company with north-east links had been selected.

He added: “We will be responsible for the whole building and all the associated groundworks, including some works offsite. We are building the arena, we are building the hotel, we are building the conference facilities and creating large car parking which includes some large diversions.

“This is by far the biggest project we have had to date.”

The AECC is expected to contribute an additional 4.5million visitors, £113million of visitor spend and £63million net to the Scottish economy.

Mr Harris added: “We understand how important the world-class Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre is to the economy in Aberdeen and the northeast, and are pleased to be appointing Robertson Group which has close links to the area.”

Aberdeen City Council leader Jenny Laing officially began the pre-contract work with a sod-cutting ceremony last month.

Yesterday, Mrs Laing added: “The new AECC is a vital part of ensuring Aberdeen can compete on a global basis with other major cities and also for its future prosperity as it will attract bigger names in entertainment, as well as more international events and conferences.”

The work is expected to finish in early 2019.

“The new AECC is a vital part of ensuring Aberdeen can compete”

READY TO GO: Nick Harris of Henry Boot, left, and Derek Shewan of Robertson on site at the location of the new AECC