The Event Complex Aberdeen has been given a prestigious accolade at a national awards event which recognises excellence in commercial and public property.
The complex, which is largest investment in an events venue in Britain and provides world class facilities, was awarded Development of the Year (Commercial) at the seventh annual Scottish Property Awards.
Aberdeen City Council has built the venue with the P&J Live at its heart and two on-site hotels as an integral part of the council’s transformational programme of investment, benefiting from excellent transport links through the neighbouring Aberdeen International Airport and city bypass.
The development, which opened in July 2019, was specifically recognised at the awards for its environmental and sustainability credentials including the use of local materials in creating what the judges praised as a world-class building.
The 15,000-capacity main arena is hosting conferences, exhibitions and music concerts and has been designed to attract major artists and events to the city. P&J Live also boasts three further conference and exhibition halls, four multi-purpose conference rooms and nine meeting rooms.
A 200-room Hilton hotel with restaurant, bar and spa and 150-room Aloft with bar, lounge and gym provides on-site accommodation and leisure facilities. It was the first property to open under the Aloft boutique brand in Scotland.
International acts which have appeared at P&J Live include Michael Buble, Alice Cooper, Lewis Capaldi, Gerry Cinnamon and Rod Stewart as well as comedians Jack Whitehall and Russell Howard. Elton John will bring his worldwide farewell tour to the venue in November (2020).The prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards were also held at the venue last year.
Aberdeen City Council co-leader Councillor Jenny Laing said: ‘We are delighted the judges have recognised the TECA complex as a world-class development and winning this award is a great achievement for the Council and our project partners.
‘The development is proving to be a huge asset, not just for Aberdeen, but for the region and the country as a whole as the new venue clearly has global reach.
‘P&J Live is attracting major artists, conferences and events to the region, serving the residents of the city as well as attracting delegates and tourists from home and abroad and it is playing a significant part in the delivery of the key aims of our Regional Economic Strategy by increasing diversification, internationalisation and inclusive economic growth.’
Aberdeen City Council co-leader Councillor Douglas Lumsden said: ‘The Scottish Property Award judges recognised the environmental and sustainability credentials of TECA which was a major achievement for a complex of this size.
‘The complex is a significant investment being made by Aberdeen City Council, both in infrastructure and in culture through our innovative Aberdeen 365 events programme, and is changing the city and region’s outlook.
‘P&J Live is a jewel in the crown that will provide major economic benefits for generations to come and the positive impact the development will have cannot be overstated.’
Aberdeen City Council’s development partner for the project is Henry Boot Developments, the main contractor Robertson Group and the operator for P&J Live is SMG Europe.
HBD managing director Ed Hutchinson said: The team at HBD is extremely proud to have been involved in the delivery of this iconic world-class venue, and to win a Scottish Property Award for the development along with Aberdeen City Council and Robertson is an incredible achievement.
“It’s a fantastic start to 2020 and makes an exciting year ahead for HBD as we continue to increase our activity in Scotland.”
Robertson Major Projects Liam Hanlon managing director added: ‘TECA is an iconic accomplishment for the region, and the innovative way in which it was built and the benefits that it will continue to bring, makes it a very deserving winner of this year’s award. We were very proud to have worked in partnership with the customer and developer to deliver TECA, and for it now to receive the recognition it deserves.’
The TECA complex is expected to contribute an additional 4.5 million visitors, £113 million of visitor spend and £63 million net Gross Value Added to the Scottish economy over 10 years. It will also result in the creation of 352 full-time-equivalent permanent positions by year 10 of operations. The total investment in the site, including the hotels and innovative energy plant, is in excess of £400m.
TECA was a milestone development in the most significant period of transformation in the city’s history, with the council’s £1billion capital programme changing the built environment and driving cultural change.
Projects include the restoration and expansion of Aberdeen Art Gallery, which will reopen in November, and the redevelopment of Union Terrace Gardens in the heart of the city. New roads, including the bypass and the Diamond Bridge, the creation of a unique visitor attraction at Provost Skene’s House, refurbishment of the iconic Music Hall, creation of the award-winning Marischal Square office and restaurant complex as part of the wider regeneration of Broad Street are also integral to the ambitions for the city.
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