London’s Thames Gateway, the heart of where World Travel Market takes place, is set for further re-generation and staggering growth over the next decade. London’s hosting of the 2012 Olympic Games means further…
London’s Thames Gateway, the heart of where World Travel Market takes place, is set for further re-generation and staggering growth over the next decade. London’s hosting of the 2012 Olympic Games means further infrastructure and accelerated building around the WTM venue – ExCeL London.
“We are entering an extremely exciting period of growth, development and potential in and around World Travel Market’s venue, offering significant and unrivalled benefits for delegates,” said Fiona Jeffery, managing director. “There will be more phenomenal international tourist attractions, more venues for entertaining and more high quality bars and restaurants to enjoy.”
“Next year, for example, sees the opening of O2, formerly the Millennium Dome, located near to ExCeL London, which is set to become a world-class entertainment destination. The centrepiece is a 23,000-seater arena hosting the latest live entertainment and concerts. But even this year, we are seeing two new Hilton hotels located close to ExCeL London.”
ExCeL London has announced plans to invest and expand. This second phase, taking ExCeL towards 100,000 sqm of flexible space, will be on stream in late 2009, with supporting hotel, leisure and entertainment facilities.
Jamie Buchan, Chief Executive of ExCeL London said: “This development represents a major investment in providing event facilities of world scale in London and supports the capital’s ambition to host an increasing number of high profile international shows both pre and post the 2012 Olympic Games. Building Phase 2, with the support of the industries we serve, will complete our vision for ExCeL London and provide a strong legacy for the future of the events industry in this city.”
The Docklands Light Railway
The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) has recently announced a £45 million deal to introduce 24 new trains onto the railway and expand the network. The trains will start running on the Bank to Lewisham line from May 2007 and will operate on the new Stratford to Woolwich Arsenal route on its completion in 2009.
New Hotels
This year two major new Hilton developments have opened near to ExCeL London – one in Canary Wharf (five-star) and another in Tower Bridge (four-star). In 2007 a four-star Radisson Edwardian will open in Providence Wharf, five minutes from ExCeL London.
The O2
In addition to the concert arena, O2 will have a high-tech entertainment district, including a 1,800-seater theatre – the first permanent European home for Cirque du Soleil – an ice rink, ten-screen cinema and restaurants.
London 2012
With London now confirmed as the host city for the 2012 Olympics there will be further regeneration of East London. At the heart of the Olympics will be a new 500-acre Olympic Park, set in 1,500 landscaped acres. One of the largest new urban parks seen in Europe for 200 years, it will be built around a network of reinvigorated rivers and canals. ExCeL London will host six Olympic events in 2012.
Canary Wharf
Planning permission has been granted for further development at Canary Wharf, including more waterside shops and restaurants.
Silvertown Quays
Located on the south side of the Royal Victoria Dock, opposite ExCeL London, Silvertown Quays will be one of Europe’s largest regeneration schemes – a £1.5 billion development which will create a town centre for the Royal Docks area.
In addition to the creation of 5,000 new homes, the development will provide a mix of bars, restaurants and leisure facilities.
Due to open in 2009, the £80 million world-class aquarium – The Biota! – will attract an estimated million visitors per year, recreating complete ecosystems with plants, fish and free flying birds. The exhibit areas will represent diverse world habitats – the Amazon, the British Isles, the Indo-Pacific and the Atlantic Ocean.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
