Henry Boot Developments has started construction work on a new exhibition and conference centre (AECC) in Aberdeen.

The firm has teamed up with Aberdeen City Council to develop the new centre which also includes an energy centre and three hotels on the former site of the Rowett Research Institute in Bucksburn.

600 new jobs will be created during the construction period and 352 full-time-equivalent permanent positions by year 10 of operations.

The new arena and conference centre has a strong role to play in delivering the Regional Economic Strategy, by anchoring existing international events and competing nationally and internationally for new events, as well as by broadening the appeal of the North East to a global audience.

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Council Leader Jenny Laing said: "The new venue will ensure that Aberdeen retains events such as Offshore Europe which brings £140 million to the local economy, and the significant economic benefits they bring, while securing new events for the city. It will provide a step change for the future by providing a modern and fit-for-purpose facility, which will be the most sustainable of its kind in the UK.

"The new AECC is a vital facility that will ensure Aberdeen can compete not just with other Scottish and UK cities, but with other global energy capitals. It will attract bigger names in entertainment, and more major international events and conferences to the north-east region and I am looking forward to watching the new building take shape over the coming months."

Nick Harris, Director at Henry Boot Developments said: "This is a very exciting moment for Henry Boot Developments, and for everyone else involved in what is a hugely significant project for Aberdeen and the North East. We’ve worked very hard with our design team to ensure that this new facility will be a world-class leisure and business destination, and starting work on site to turn these plans a reality is another major step forward."

(CD)