An multinational firm, which operates concert venues across the world has been officially appointed to run the new Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC).
SMG Europe, who run more than 240 sporting, music and conference facilities including flagship venues such as Moscone Center in San Francisco, have finalised a deal to become the operator of the new £333 million venue due for completion in 2019.
SGM already operates top UK venues such as Manchester Arena, First Direct Arena in Leeds and Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle.
It is hoped the new arena will bring around 4.5 million visitors to the city over 10 years and around £113million to the local economy.
Around 600 new jobs are expected of which 352 will be full time.
The new AECC is being built by the city council in partnership with Henry Boot Developments and is part of the authority’s strategic infrastructure plan.
The new centre will be around four times bigger than the current AECC with a maximum capacity of 12,500 and will also contain hotels and a green energy plant.
A spokesmen for SGMsaid: “The campus will become a jewel in the crown of the city and the wider north-east economy.”
Once opened, the old Bridge Of Don site will be demolished saving the council around £1.3 million in subsidies.
Council chiefs have vowed that no jobs from the old AECC will be lost and all will be transferred to the new site when it is opened in early 2019.
