Next month sees construction begin on the second phase of development at Excel London. This follows a $1 billion endorsement by its new owner, Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, bolstering the venue's intent to break into global events markets, particularly the US. Abigail Parkin (25 July)

The extension will increase the size of the current venue space by over 50 percent, taking it to 100,000 m2 - the equivalent of 14 football pitches. The plans include a link to the Prince Regent DLR station, additional bars and restaurants, underground parking, and the creation of a new auditorium.

Since its opening in 2000, Excel London has hosted over 2,000 events attended by over five million visitors from 200 countries worldwide. It was also responsible for the Motor Show relocating to London for the first time and the venue will host seven sporting events for the 2012 Olympics.

Kevin Murphy, chief executive of ExceL London said: "This development further reiterates ExCeL London as a world class venue which will continue to attract major events from around the world. The expansion will also provide huge economic benefits to the local community in terms of employment and facilities. The venue is currently one of the Borough's biggest employers, and the expansion will bring an additional 1,400 jobs to the area.

"However, this is only the beginning, as we are already looking to put plans for the next phase of development in place - enabling ExceL London to remain at the forefront of the UK events market."


Key features of the Phase 2 development are as follows:

* Prince Regent DLR Pedestrian Link - a covered pedestrian walkway direct to the building from the DLR station
* Semi-permanent Auditorium - retractable seating and dropped floor space, seating up to 5,000 delegates
* Conference & Meeting Rooms - providing additional space for up to 2,000 delegates
* Casual dining mezzanine - restaurant seating 1,000 guests, as well as seven food outlets, and casual dining for 300 guests
* South Gallery Walkway - providing additional access to meeting rooms
* Production kitchens - additional facilities serving conference and meeting rooms
* Additional underground parking - increased capacity providing 2,225 parking spaces