John Sisk & Son has won a contract to build a new £83.7 million International Convention Centre in Wales.

Funding for the ICC Wales scheme has been agreed between the Welsh Government, Celtic Manor Resort and NatWest.

Excavation work has already started on land adjacent to the Resort Hotel and existing Convention Centre at Celtic Manor, with main construction works to begin on the two-year scheme in March.

Features of the facility will include a 1,500-seat auditorium, a 4,000 sq m separate exhibition hall, five divisible meeting rooms, breakout space, modern technology as well as fully serviced client offices, green rooms and production facilities.

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In addition, a 2,500 sq m plaza will welcome visitors to the new centre and provide additional networking and exhibition space. HGV loading bays will be developed direct to both the auditorium and main hall, and 700 car parking spaces will be created under the facility with direct access to the ICC Wales arrival atrium.

Celtic Manor Resort Chairman Sir Terry Matthews said: "This International Convention Centre has been many years in the planning and I am delighted that we are now in a position to build and deliver this facility that will be such an asset to Wales.

"This International Convention Centre will allow us to attract the biggest and most lucrative business events to Wales, as well as high-profile summits and party political conferences. ICC Wales will rival any convention facility in Europe and will act as a magnet for major events, bringing huge benefits to the Welsh economy."

Stephen Bowcott, Chief Executive of Sisk Group said: "We are absolutely delighted to have been entrusted with one of the most prestigious and important construction projects in Wales and to be using local suppliers and workers."

(LM/MH)