9 August 2019
HENRY BOOT PLC
('Henry Boot', 'the Company' or 'the Group')
ABERDEEN'S WORLD-CLASS TECA OPENS FOR BUSINESS
Henry Boot PLC, a company engaged in land promotion, property investment and development, and construction, announces that its subsidiary Henry Boot Developments (HB) and Robertson has completed work on the The Event Complex Aberdeen (TECA) - which is the largest new entertainment complex in Europe and the largest ever project in both firm's storied history.
The world-class complex, which includes the P&J Live arena and two on-site hotels, officially opened its doors this week. The landmark events campus is an integral part of Aberdeen City Council's transformational programme of investment and the project was a joint venture between Aberdeen City Council, HBD and Robertson, who were the main contractor on the project.
Construction work began in August 2016 to deliver a 15,000 capacity arena which will host conferences, exhibitions and music concerts. In addition to three further conference and exhibition halls, the site also features a 200-room Hilton hotel and a 150-room Aloft hotel.
The investment in the site includes the £333million for the P&J Live events venue, along with the hotels and innovative energy plant, bringing it up to more than £400m.
Several test events are scheduled for the venue ahead of the Offshore Europe conference and exhibition getting underway on 3 September.
Bill Robertson, Founder and Executive Chairman of Robertson, said: "The Event Complex Aberdeen (TECA) is a staggering accomplishment and one that we have been thrilled to play a major part in. We have brought together dozens of subcontractors and thousands of workers to deliver a truly exceptional facility that can compete with any top entertainment venue across the globe.
"As a company with roots in the North East, it has been a genuine privilege to lead the construction of a complex which will benefit the region for generations to come. It has been a pleasure to deliver the transformational vision of Aberdeen City Council and Henry Boot Developments."
Ed Hutchinson, Managing Director, HBD, said: "Everyone at HBD is immensely proud to have been involved with this iconic build alongside Aberdeen City Council and main contractor Robertson. The doors of this truly world class event, hospitality and exhibition space will open to the public on Saturday and it will be hugely satisfying to see their reactions as they get their first glimpse of this new entertainment venue."
TECA will provide four times the exhibition space as the current AECC and increase the maximum capacity to 12,500 in the arena. It is expected to contribute an additional 4.5 million visitors, £113 million of visitor spend and £63m net GVA to the Scottish economy.
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Jenny Laing said: "The official opening represents an important day not only for Aberdeen but for the region and the country as we launch a venue which will have truly global reach.
"The completion of a project of this scale, just three years from when the first turf was cut, is a great achievement for the Council and our project partners. It is important to recognise the contribution of all those who have worked so hard to bring the complex to fruition and to place on record our thanks to the teams and individuals who have delivered this landmark development.
"P&J Live will attract major artists, conferences and events to the region. It will serve the residents of the city as well as attracting delegates and tourists from home and abroad as a central strand of our Regional Economic Strategy and its key aims of increasing diversification, internationalisation and inclusive economic growth.
"It is an incredibly exciting period, with many new chapters in Aberdeen's story being written, and today is the most significant part of what is an unprecedented programme of transformation throughout the city."
There were several challenges on the project, including the east end of the site being located immediately below a flightpath, the demolition of existing buildings as part of the enabling package, the diversion of an existing watercourse, and the re-routing of major utilities.
The main conference and exhibition building includes a mezzanine link to the hotel and a basement link to the car park. The eye-catching design includes a complex roof profile, and the construction required very high specifications to meet significant acoustic criteria.
One of the main features of the project is its contractor-designed, modular energy centre. Making use of advanced CCHP (combined cooling, heat and power) technology, the centre will serve the energy requirements of both the hotel and the main TECA building.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
For further information, please contact:
Henry Boot PLC
John Sutcliffe, Chief Executive Officer
Darren Littlewood, Group Finance Director
Tel: 0114 255 5444
www.henryboot.co.uk
Numis Securities
Corporate Broker
Garry Levin/ Tom Ballard
Tel: 020 7260 1000
Peel Hunt
Corporate Broker
Charles Batten
Tel: 020 7418 8900
Hudson Sandler LLP
Financial PR
Nick Lyon/Wendy Baker
Tel: 020 7796 4133
About Henry Boot PLC
Henry Boot PLC (BOOT.L) was established over 130 years ago and is one of the UK's leading and long-standing land promotion, property investment and development, and construction Group of Companies. Based in Sheffield, the Group comprises the following three segments:
About Henry Boot Developments
Henry Boot Developments (HBD) is one of the most progressive property companies in the UK. With six regional offices, it forms part of the 130-year-old Henry Boot PLC and is currently working with a commercial development pipeline of over £1bn.
Its diverse development portfolio comprises listed mills and prized heritage assets, through to logistics and business space solutions, and game-changing regeneration projects.
HBD creates spaces that not only impress, but that stand the test of time.
About Robertson
Robertson is one of the largest family-owned construction, infrastructure and support services businesses in the UK. For over 50 years our sustainable growth has enabled us to invest in our business, the future of people and communities, and to deliver on major projects, housing schemes and facilities management for customers nationally. Our scale gives us the ability to accept big challenges and build mutually-beneficial partner relationships, but we think locally too. Ultimately, our approach is about making progress safely towards a sustainable future. It's the Robertson Way.
