Press Cuttings Transcripts
Convention Centre Commission head unveiled
Press Association, 12 February 2004
By Helen William, Local Government Correspondent, PA News
The head of a commission which will decide if London should have a multi-million
pound international convention centre to rival Paris, Madrid and Barcelona, was
named today,
Gerry Acher, 58, vice-chairman of business lobby group London First and a
non-executive director of Camelot, has been chosen for his track record in
tackling complex projects, the London Development Agency said.
London is currently locked out of the growing £100 billion market for hosting
large international conferences because it does not have a purpose-built centre
that can host more than 5,000 people.
The added benefits from the new jobs created and attracting lucrative business
travellers, who traditionally spend more than business visitors, are also lost.
The commission will investigate proposals for the location, design and funding
of a centre in central London.
Commissioners, who have yet to be confirmed, will be specialists in fields such
as property, transport and politics.
The centre would cost more than £150 million, annual revenues would yeild £29
million for the capital and £39 million for English regions, according to a
1997 London First feasibility study.
Some backing might have to come from public funds as payback for the jobs it
would create and transport improvements.
A successful convention centre could mea “a quantum leap” for London across many
sectors, Mr Acher said.
Promising a “full and frank” investigation, he said: “The international market
for hosting large conferences is worth more than £100 billion a year and
growing fast; it may come as a surprise to many that London can’t compete for
that business at present.
“Unlike other world cities, the capital doesn’t have a venue that can cater for
a meeting of five thousand or more at a time.”
London mayor Ken Livingstone believs Mr Acher will bring much need business
know-how and a hard-nosed analytical approach to the investigation.
He said: “A major convention centre could bring enormous benefits to the
capital.
“We know business visitors who come to London don’t just sit in meetings while
they’re here. They already boost the economy by a incredible £3 billion a year,
and combine business with leisure, often with their families, both in London
and in other parts of the country.”
Honor Chapman, chair of the LDA the mayor’s business and jobs agency, said:
“London can’t compete with other European cities such as Paris, Berlin,
Amsterdam, Madrid, Vienna and Barcelona in the major international cnvention
centre market.
“That market is potentially worth billions pf pounds and could bring jobs and
wealth not just to London, but to other parts of the country.”
The commission meets for the first time next month. It is set to report within a
year.