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30 January 2017 | Firm News | Article by Gerallt Jones

Hugh James Advises on International Convention Centre Wales


Hugh James has advised on the landmark deal to build the impressive £83.7m International Convention Centre Wales (ICC Wales) at the Celtic Manor Resort.

Construction on the new development will begin in March, which will include car parking and external landscaping; ICC Wales will be capable of accommodating up to 5,000 delegates with a total floor space exceeding 26,000 square metres. It is projected that the new facility will then be open for business in June 2019.

Our corporate partners at Hugh James, Jon Fernandez Lewis and Gerallt Jones led a large supporting team on the project advising Celtic Manor Resort and the joint venture company on the agreement.

Commenting on the landmark deal, Gerallt said:

“We are delighted to have advised on this landmark deal for the Celtic Manor Resort and Wales,” they said. “Both have a tremendous track record of attracting and hosting major events and the new convention centre will further enhance this; positioning the Resort and ICC Wales as premier UK destinations for business and political conferences, summits and exhibitions.”

In a bid to attract the biggest and most lucrative business events in Wales, ICC Wales will see Celtic Manor rival any convention facility in Europe, providing huge benefits to the Welsh economy.

The impressive new centre will also house a 1,500-seat auditorium and separate exhibition hall which, at 4,000 square metres, will provide the largest pillar-free ballroom in Europe, capable of hosting 2,400 people for a gala dinner.

Commenting on the high profile development, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure Ken Skates said:

“This will be a major asset for Wales, enabling us to compete with any venue in the UK and indeed Europe to attract and host key events that make a huge contribution to the economy.

“It is also important to emphasise that not only is it an asset for the Celtic Manor and Newport specifically, but this development will provide a very real long-term boost for the entire economy of South Wales.”

Further details can be found in the full article here.

Author bio

Gerallt is a partner and head of the corporate and commercial team. Since joining Hugh James in 2005, Gerallt has led the team to be a leading player within the corporate and commercial market, advising clients including the Welsh Government, Princes Gate Water and the Development Bank of Wales.

Gerallt also has particular expertise in the sport and food & drink sectors, leading Hugh James’s relationships with clients in these sectors including the Welsh Rugby Union and Braces Bakery.

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