Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC) has announced that Her Royal Highness (HRH) The Princess Royal will officially open the new state-of-the-art redeveloped Centre on Tuesday, 15th April 2003.

During her visit to the Centre, HRH Princess Anne will have the opportunity to tour some of the new meeting halls and syndicate rooms. The Princess will then be escorted to the opening performance of the 'World Famous' Lipizzaner Stallions, which takes place on the evening of the 15th.

"This is a great honour for AECC and we are very much looking forward to welcoming HRH Princess Anne to the Centre," says Clarke Milloy, Managing Director, Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre.

"This is a fitting celebration of the culmination of the work that has gone into developing a world-class convention centre for the City of Aberdeen. The support of Aberdeen City Council, who are the major shareholders, has been paramount in enabling us to finance this major re-development.”

“The City Council's continued support and vision provides us with not only a world-class venue for conferences and exhibitions but also a top-rate modern facility for public entertainment events."

The £18 million investment in Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre marks the redevelopment as one of the most significant Scottish economic development projects of 2003. As a result of the improved and expanded facilities, it is estimated that the Centre will contribute £40 million per annum into the local economy by 2005/6.

AECC is already renowned as the home of the biennial Offshore Europe Exhibition and Conference, which attracts 24,000 visitors from 77 countries, and it is hoped that the 'new' Centre will continue to act as a showcase for both existing and emerging energy industries.

As a result of the expansion project, the 'new' AECC will boast plenary capacity for up to 2000 delegates, plus two new 565m2 multi-purpose suites. The capacity of the existing auditorium will increase from 300 to 500 delegates and 22 new syndicate rooms of various sizes will provide flexibility of accommodation for event organisers of all sizes.

The Centre will also have a striking new look, thanks to a futuristic sweeping glass frontage and a landmark viewing tower, which has already been named, 'The Northern Light', in keeping with the building's geographical location.

AECC will also retain its existing 7300m2 of exhibition space and 4000 on-site car parking spaces.