Following the completion of Phase 1 of its development in 2004, ExCeL London will be inviting input from the exhibition, conference and events industry on plans for Phase 2.

The venue will be carrying out a consultation process with the industry from early February, to determine how its business can be best developed in line with market demand.

This second phase, taking ExCeL London towards 100,000 sqm of flexible space, will be on stream in late 2009, completing the management’s vision for the venue and builds on the success of the last four years of operation.

Commenting on the planned expansion, Jamie Buchan, chief executive of ExCeL London says: “This development represents a major investment in providing event facilities of world scale in London and supports the capital’s ambition to host an increasing number of high profile international shows both pre and post the 2012 Olympic Games. Building Phase 2, with the support of the industries we serve, will complete our vision for ExCeL London and provide a strong legacy for the future of the events industry in this city.”    

Mr Buchan confirmed that he hoped a casino would form part of the support infrastructure.

Vanessa Cotton, managing director of ExCeL London’s Conference and Events division explains: “Our contracted conference and events business going forward has increased by 50 per cent in the past 12 months and we are already turning business away in the most popular months of the year. If we are to capitalise successfully on London’s growing appeal as a leading convention destination and fully leverage the opportunities the 2012 Olympic Games offer, then it’s essential we are one step ahead.”

Cotton continues: “Our projections show that the venue will be at full capacity in 2009. At present, we anticipate Phase 2 to provide around 30,000m2 multi-purpose space with supporting hotel, leisure and entertainment facilities. The consultation process is designed to ensure that the development fully takes into account the demand in each of our core markets.”

Phase 2 comes at a time of significant development within ExCeL London’s immediate vicinity, including: the London 2012 Olympic Village, the O2, Silvertown Quays, the ‘Biota’,  Stratford International Railway Station, together with the continued expansion of Canary Wharf and the introduction of new service routes at London City Airport.