Aberdeen venue requests loan from city council

Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC) has requested a £2 million loan from the city council to put towards running costs.

Council finance experts are recommending approval on the loan. The centre offers top-class conference facilities and is thought to be capable of bringing £40 million worth of business to additional Aberdeen venues during the course of this year alone. The building's longer-term value to the local community is estimated at £200 million over five years.

Gordon Edwards, the council's finance director, told the Press and Journal: "The redevelopment and continuing support of AECC is a major step forward in attracting high-profile international conferences, exhibitions and events to Aberdeen."

The Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Forum (Acsef) backed up Mr Edwards' comments by estimating that for every £1 invested in the building, the city gets £97 back in the form of spending to local businesses.

Despite this, some councillors have questioned the centre's economic viability, and the issue is due to be discussed.

According to the BBC, the economy is still declining sharply, meaning many regional councils have less money to spend

Contact our team