ExCeL London secured Newham Planning Committee approval to expand the venue, representing a significant investment in the Royal Docks venue.

Following the initial expansion of the venue in 2010, including the opening of London’s International Convention Centre (ICC), it has been a long-term ambition to further extend ExCeL to meet increased client demand.

This new investment will deliver an additional 25,000sqm of event space, with 12,000sqm of exhibition space on the ground floor, seamlessly integrated into the existing venue. This will be complimented on the upper level with high end convention space, state-of-the-art meeting rooms and catering facilities, ExCeL claims.

In addition, a substantial  investment will be made in greenery along the dock edge, improved landscaping, and a new pocket park. The extension will increase overall floorspace by 25%

According to ExCeL, the ambition is to create the most sustainable development possible and will therefore be targeting a Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) rating of ‘Excellent’ – surpassing the recognised industry standard.

The entire ExCeL site will be further enhanced with the opening of the Elizabeth line in 2022. Set to transform travel across London, visitors will be able to reach ExCeL in 15-minutes from Central London and 43-minutes from Heathrow, via the venue’s onsite Elizabeth line station at Custom House.

Construction works are expected to start next year.

ExCeL CEO Jeremy Rees said: “The expansion of ExCeL will ensure that London and the UK remains internationally competitive and a destination of choice for world leading events, for years to come.”

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) said: “ADNEC continues to affirm its commitment towards developing its assets in London. This consolidates ExCeL’s position as one of the largest exhibition and conference hubs in Europe.”