Plans for 'biggest' convention centre in Wales approved

Construction work on the new Wales International Convention Centre at Celtic Manor, Newport will begin early in 2016 after the project won full planning approval from Newport City Council.

Designed to attract major events from across the world, the proposed state-of-the-art auditorium, exhibition hall and associated facilities will have capacity for 4,000 delegates, making it the largest facility of its kind in Wales and the south west of England.

The auditorium will hold 1,500 delegates with the flexibility to divide into smaller spaces Total floor space across the convention centre will exceed 27,000 square metres.

Independent economic impact studies show it will bring a substantial boost to the Welsh economy, creating around 110,000 bedroom nights per annum for hotels throughout South Wales, claimed Celtic Manor in a statement.

The convention centre facilities will include:

• 1,500-seat tiered auditorium

• 4,000 sq m pillar-free exhibition/conference hall, holding 2,700 gala dinner guests

• 13 additional flexible syndicate meeting rooms

• Spacious lobby, atrium and breakout spaces

• Outdoor terraces and adjacent woodland

• Entrance plaza with outdoor theatre potential