London ICC - About the Mayoral Commission
The London Development Agency (LDA), under the auspices of the Mayor of London, in 2004 set up a Mayoral Commission to assess the feasibility of developing an International Convention Centre in the capital.
The Commission was set up to be an independent body, made up of representatives from the public and private sectors, representing a cross-section of London’s tourism, hospitality and business leaders.
The Commission spent 18 months looking at the potential benefits of building an International Convention Centre in London and identifying other ways in which the capital can reach its full potential in the lucrative business travel market.
A feasibility process was undertaken reflecting best practice developed in the industry worldwide, and consultants were engaged to deliver each phase of the study, guiding, challenging and providing input to the Commission as work progressed.
A key part of the Commission’s work was to ensure that the full range of stakeholders, in the private and public sectors, within the capital, across the UK and internationally, were engaged throughout the process and their views sought at every stage of the Commission’s work. The Commission regularly reported on progress to the LDA, the Mayor and wider stakeholders throughout the process.
Gerry Acher, currently Deputy Chairman of business group London First and a non-executive director of Camelot, was appointed as chair of the Commission in February 2004, and has provided leadership and direction to achieve the objectives set. Gerry was joined by expert Commissioners throughout the course of the study. Commissioners were selected for their international talents in areas of strategic importance to this project, including business travel, venue and events management, property and architecture.
The LDA sponsored the establishment of the Commission, organised its support structures and work programme, and ensured that it was empowered to reach a final conclusion.
In July 2005 the Commission presented its recommendations to the Mayor and in October 2005 presented its report and conclusions to the Board of the London Development Agency.
The Commission, having completed its task of assessing the feasibility of developing an ICC in London, has now been stood down. Gerry Acher has been retained in order to lead the next phase of the work – researching location and funding options for a London ICC – and expert advisers will be called upon as and when necessary.
The appetite for an ICC in London comes from the heart of the travel industry itself. The 2004 LDA-sponsored London Leadership Forum on Business Tourism identified the importance of an ICC as number one of five core issues. It was also highlighted as a priority in Visit London: the Mayor’s Plan for Tourism in London, put together following detailed consultation with the travel and tourism industry.
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View a timeline of the ICC Commission's activity to date