The Scottish Exhibition + Conference Centre has announced that
it has appointed Macdonald Estates as preferred developer to
undertake a major project, comprising a multi-storey car park,
4/5-star hotel and office accommodation, on the area that had
previously been reserved for a super casino.
Following Glasgow's disappointment to secure the UK's only
license for a super casino, the SECC has wasted no time in
implementing 'Plan B' for the area that is to be redeveloped to
raise capital receipts to fund the construction of its new £66
million, 12,500-seat Scottish National Arena - which is pivotal to
the QD2 project* and Glasgow's 2014 Commonwealth Bid.
The proposal by Edinburgh-based Macdonald Estates, which is
subject to planning approval, will be carried out in three phases.
The first phase will be the construction of a 1,500-space car park
to replace existing grade parking that will be lost with the
construction of the new Arena. Work on the multi-storey car park
will begin in 2008 with a one-year build.
Thereafter, building work on the office accommodation will begin
in 2009 with a finishing date of 2010, followed by work on the
hotel, commencing in 2010 and due for completion in 2011 to
coincide with the opening of the Arena.
The design of the development, which is situated towards the
east of the existing complex between Stobcross Road and Finnieston
Street, does not preclude the construction of a casino at a later
date.
Speaking of the appointment Mike Closier, group chief executive
of the SECC, said: "Our main objective has been to raise funds to
build our Arena and Macdonald Estates has produced a great plan
that will contribute towards the financing of its construction.
"The company was chosen following a formal selection process.
The selection committee agreed that, of those bidding for the site,
Macdonald Estates' proposal understood exactly what we needed to
achieve as set out in our tender. I'm confident that it will
deliver."
In addition to the car park, office accommodation and hotel, the
project will also include a bridge over the road system that will
connect all three components to the SECC site, allowing the public
to move seamlessly through the entire SECC complex. The development
will also contain retail outlets and leisure facilities.
Dan Macdonald, chief executive of Macdonald Estates said: "The
development of the east of the SECC site presents an opportunity to
develop an area that will bring functional and aesthetic benefits
to the venue and enhance the fantastic work that is already being
undertaken as part of the regeneration of the Clyde Waterfront.
"We as a company are committed to working in partnership with
our client to bring about the best possible outcome in a creative
way in accordance with their objectives and we're delighted to be
part of this project."
Notes to editors:
The QD2 Project is so called because it marks the second
redevelopment of Queens Dock in Glasgow, the first being the
construction of the SECC in 1985.
For further information, please contact:
SECC
Louise Brady, communications manager
0141 576 3180 or 07789 555 883
louise.brady@secc.co.uk
MACDONALD ESTATES
Dan Macdonald, chief executive
0131 225 3232
dan@macdonaldestates.co.uk