A contractor has been appointed to start design work on the new Wales Convention Centre.

At an event in the Celtic Manor, Celtic Manor Resort Chairman Sir Terry Matthews announced that international design practice Scott Brownrigg have been commissioned to carry out the detailed design of the new centre to be built close to the resort's existing hotels and conference facilities at Coldra Woods, Newport.

The Welsh Government have provided loan support for the design work and also provided support to Celtic Manor 2014 Ltd in 2013 to complete the initial stages of the project.

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Mr Matthews said: "We've made no secret of our desire to expand our successful business at the Celtic Manor and build on our status as the No 1 conference hotel in the UK. It makes me proud to be working with the Welsh Government to deliver the International Convention Centre that Wales so badly needs. It will rival any convention facility in Europe and act as a magnet for major events, bringing huge benefits to the Welsh economy."

Neil MacOmish, Group Board Director at Scott Brownrigg said: "We are delighted to have been selected to design Wales' International Convention Centre, which is designed to be both memorable and create a lasting contribution to the special place, context and environment, not just of the Celtic Manor Resort but of this part of Wales."

The International Convention Centre is scheduled to complete in 2018.

(CD)