PLANS are well advanced to double the capacity of the International Convention Centre Durban (ICC) which, when complete, would make it the biggest international conference venue in South Africa.
"Proposed plans for the 11 500 square metre, R170m-plus extension are on track and could see a decision being taken as early as March this year, if all goes according to plan," comments ICC's chief executive officer, Peter Brokenshire."
As the foundation on the south side of the building is already in place, building is expected to take only nine months. Fourteen companies, 12 of them national and two international, have expressed interest and are currently preparing proposals conforming to requirements including cash contribution, economic benefit and development of the full site.
Brokenshire added: "We will be able to sit up to 13 000 people, have a new 4 500-seat auditorium and eight additional interconnected meeting rooms which can accommodate 200 people."
"This in reality means we will be able to host at least 119 international association meetings of 4 000 delegates, which would provide a direct spend of R1,4m and an economic impact of R5,6m."
At the present time, ICC has forward bookings for over 250 events of over 500 delegates each, stretching to year 2010.
Since opening its doors in 1997, ICC has staged over 1 100 events of more than 300 guests, 40 international conferences with 43 000 delegates generating 320 000 bed nights and 38 national conferences of 20 000 delegates, generating 77 000 bed nights.
In total, 700 000 guests have visited the centre, which reportedly amounts to a direct spend of R381m and an overall economic impact of almost R2bn.
"We initially predicted we would host ten international conferences a year, but this has grown to 18 last year and 19 planned for this year. As a result of the number of international conventions staged at ICC, Durban is currently rated the premier international conferencing destination in Africa by the International Conference and Convention Association, and an expansion will assist the venue to maintain and build on its success," concluded Brokenshire.
(Elizabeth Sheridan)
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