Planning for major expansion of the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) secured

Ambitious plans for the GBP£200m expansion of the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) on the banks of the River Clyde have been given the green light by Glasgow City Council. Consent has been granted for Planning Permission in Principle (PPiP) for the major upgrade and extension of the existing SEC Centre to create “the best event campus in Europe”.

Under indicative plans drawn up by Keppie Design and Arup, the Congress Road site in Finnieston will become home to new event and conference facilities, an enhanced walkway to Exhibition Centre station and a 200-bed hotel adjacent to the Crowne Plaza.

Initial plans were lodged with planning officials in November 2018 and a more detailed application has now been given the green light by the council’s planning committee.

Keppie confirmed in a press release:

Our proposals include additional Exhibition & Conference facilities, associated Banqueting facilities, a foyer/walkway/reception upgrade and extension, external support workshops/offices, associated parking facilities, potential Hotel development, site wide Energy Centre, enhanced public realm/landscape, elevated public plaza and continuous River Walkway. Pedestrian and cycle access along the Clyde Corridor will be greatly improved, encouraging riverside activity and improving connectivity along the banks of the River.

The aim is to create a sustainable competitive advantage for the SEC through enhancing the venue to offer a world-class, purpose-built, multi-conference complex, with modern, flexible, compact, state-of-the-art facilities that differentiate the SEC from its competitors. The enhanced plans will place the SEC in the strongest competitive position to attract high yield national and international conference business to fulfil Glasgow’s and Scotland’s potential in the market, enjoying the economic benefits of hosting such conferences.

Our development proposals support the ambitious SEC Vision, providing a solution which continues the regeneration of the Clyde waterfront through the creation of a confident urban and architectural response, aligned with the city’s aspirations.

Ross Easton, Head of Commercial at the Scottish Event Campus – a regular face at ALSD International events, together with his colleagues – said in a LinkedIn statement:

Great news for Scottish Event Campus (SEC) and for Glasgow, as our ambitious plans to develop new event and conference facilities have been approved by Glasgow City Council.

Source & imagery, courtesy: Keppie Design / Scottish Construction Now

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