Councillors in Aberdeen have approved plans for a new exhibition and conference centre (AECC) in the region.

The £333 million AECC complex will include an energy centre , a 200-bedroom hotel, four times the current exhibition space and will increase the seating capacity from 4,750 to 10,000.

Henry Boots Developments will deliver the project on the site of the Rowett Research Institute at Bucksburn.

In addition, a separate application has been approved to develop around 498 residential units with commercial space and a recycling centre along with a park and ride facility on the existing AECC site at Bridge of Don.

The AECC development will have a gross floor space of 45,000 sq m, with subterranean space of 33,600sqm including a concourse and retail, leisure and restaurant use.

Features of the building include a 9,000 sq m multi-purpose arena, a 6,000 sq m multi-purpose exhibition hall and a number of conference facilities.

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A 31,000sqm semi-subterranean space below the main central square will provide additional exhibition space for major events.

The 200-bedroom hotel will contain bars, restaurants, conference and spa facilities along with first floor conference suite levels.

It will be connected to the AECC at ground floor concourse.

The energy centre will provide enough electricity, heating and cooling for the entire site, while the anaerobic digestion plant will generate an income by feeding bio-methane into the gas grid.

Councillor Ramsay Milne said: "The new Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre will be a state-of-the-art facility that will help to ensure Aberdeen competes with other major cities, not just within Scotland and the UK, but internationally with other global energy capitals.

"The addition of the energy centre with the anaerobic digestion plant provides an innovative element to the project. It will provide power but also, along with the hotel, provide an income stream that will help to cover the cost of the development."

Nick Harris, Director of Henry Boot Developments, added: "I am absolutely delighted that our plans for the new Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre, hotel and energy centre at Bucksburn were granted full planning permission today by Aberdeen City Council.

"This if fantastic news for Aberdeen and for Scotland and is a major milestone for this project, which will provide a platform for sustainable economic growth for this area."

(LM/CD)