Development agreement puts Henry Boot’s exhibition centre in the spotlight

HENRY BOOT has signed an unconditional development agreement with Aberdeen council for the development of its £333m exhibition centre.

The site will include a 12,500 capacity performance venue, exhibition halls, and a four-star 200-bed Hilton hotel.

The first phase will deliver more than 800,000 sq ft of space and includes development agreement for another 150-bed Aloft hotel.

Robertson Construction Group Ltd, the main contractor, has commenced work on site with completion expected in the first half of 2019.

Henry Boot Developments Limited has also secured planning permission for a further 400,000 sq ft of business park adjoining the exhibition centre, developed jointly with Aberdeen City Council.

Jamie Boot, chairman of Sheffield-based Henry Boot PLC, commented: “We are delighted to have been selected by the Aberdeen City Council to develop the city’s new exhibition and conference centre, four-star hotel and energy centre. This is a landmark agreement for Henry Boot Developments with development expected to be completed in 2019.

“It is very pleasing to see the larger commercial development schemes we have been preparing for some time now finally on site. We remain mindful of the challenges facing our industry after the result of the EU Referendum, taking into consideration this current market backdrop, we maintain a cautious outlook and as such the Board’s expectations remain unchanged.”