Moves to develop a world-class exhibition and events facility on Liverpool's waterfront have taken a significant step forward, with the appointment of a contractor for the scheme.

Following a competitive tender, ISG has been granted the contract to deliver the £40 million development at Kings Dock, which will form part of ACC Liverpool, home to BT Convention Centre and Echo Arena.

The appointment of ISG means Liverpool can drive forward with its plans to deliver the 8,100sq m, three-hall Exhibition Centre Liverpool (ECL), along with an integrated hotel which will be developed by the city council. The city council is seeking an operator to manage the upscale hotel.

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The city council and ACC Liverpool will now work with ISG to further the design of the exhibition centre and hotel, with a planning submission scheduled to be submitted in March 2013. Construction of the new facilities is set to commence in autumn 2013, with a scheduled completion date of spring 2015.

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: "I'm delighted that we have secured such a high quality contractor for this vital scheme. ISG has an excellent track record in delivering large-scale, international projects and its appointment brings our vision to deliver a world class exhibition centre at Kings Dock a major step closer to reality.

"Building on the success of ACC Liverpool, Exhibition Centre Liverpool will continue our city’s transformation into one of Europe’s leading destinations for large-scale conferences, exhibitions and events. It will bring major economic benefits to our city, providing a massive boost for local businesses and creating jobs.

"It's all systems go now and I’m looking forward to us working together in the coming months to progress these exciting plans."

(CD/GK)