Edinburgh International Conference Centre is on target for a £25m extension for 2006 according to  plans recently released. The ambitious scheme, aimed at keeping the EICC  at the cutting edge of technology and congress Centre development, has now reached design stage "D".

The plans, announced in outline in the autumn of 2001 have been developed to enable the detailed design to be complete by the autumn of this year (design stage "E"). In principle the outline plans show the extension will include a new high quality flexible principal hall of 1600sqm (more than double the existing capacity of the Cromdale or Strathblane Halls) with moveable floor and removable raked seating, as well as additional breakout rooms, technical booths and permanent cafe.

EICC Chief Executive Hans Rissmann commented: "This is a very exciting development. We have continued to look at the changes and developments in the market, as well as directly consulting out current clients on the extension of the EICC. Everyone is agreed that our capacity to hold events and the nature and quality of events will be enhanced through these developments".

The outline timetable for future development is:

* July 2002 Shortlist of five developers identified

* October 2002 Design Stage E

Following detailed design work, the Morrison Street car park area adjacent to the EICC, known as site HI from the original Exchange masterplan, will be put out to tender and redeveloped following extensive marketing on the open market.

* March 2003 Developers appointed

The cost of the new function space will be in the region of £25 million and will be funded through the sale of rights to develop site HI above ground for the construction of approximately 16,000 square metres of high quality prestigious offices, estimated to cost a further £25 million. The subterranean extension will seamlessly join to the EICC`s existing below street-level facilities and will be fully coordinated in quality, décor and fit-out with the current facility.

* June 2004 On-site works begin

* September 2006 Expanded EICC opens

The greater capacity and scope of an expanded EICC will more than double the economic benefit brought to Edinburgh and Scotland every year, from £17 million to £39.5 million by 2010.