Not sure if this is posted in the right area but will stick it here anyway- I do hope if they do expand they make something more attractive & than whats there already & actually does something with the frontage onto the river/docks & not just make it into a loading bay as they did with the original building.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/newspaper/0,,2769-2014318,00.html

Excel to join the European big league
John Waples

EXCEL, the exhibition complex in London’s Docklands, will this week claim a place among the biggest venues in Europe when it reveals plans for an extension that will cost up to £90m.
The venue, which has just hosted the London Boat Show, wants to build an additional 25,000 square metres to take the size of the complex to 100,000 square metres.

While this is still smaller than Birmingham’s NEC, it is a lot bigger than many rival locations on the Continent.

Jamie Buchan, Excel’s chief executive, intends to test the appetite of users before he presses the start button on the second phase, but he already has the support of the centre’s biggest investor.

This is a Malaysian conglomerate called Usaha Tegas, which is ultimately controlled by Ananda Krishnan.

Excel has come a long way since its rescue refinancing, which was completed three-and-a-half years ago. The group still has debts of £130m but it now has a strong cashflow with which to service them.

At present the group is building a 2,000-space parking bay beneath the complex, a move that will free about 12 other acres.

As well as the new venue space, the intention is to attract a casino to the location, as well as more leisure activities.

That's good news. London needs a big world-class exhibition centre and ExCeL can provide it, i mean Earls Court and Olympia really arent up to standard :).

The only bad thing i can see is that ExCeL will compete with the NEC and start nicking many of its events...

bit more news on this one

http://icthewharf.icnetwork.co.uk/thisweek/news/tm_objectid=16663846%26method=full%26siteid=71670%26headline=massive%2dexpansion%2dfor%2dexcel%2dcentre-name_page.html

MASSIVE EXPANSION FOR EXCEL CENTRE Feb 3 2006

EAST London is set to host one of Europe's premier entertainment venues after plans for a huge £90million project were announced.

The Royal Docks-based ExCeL centre will look to add around 30,000sqm of exhibition space, as well bringing in a new casino, hotel and leisure facilities.

The plans are designed to ensure Docklands capitalises on the mass regeneration and investment in the area as a result of the 2012 Olympic Games and beyond, and will earn the complex a place among Europe's biggest venues.

The second phase of the development of the ExCeL London complex - following the completion of stage one in 2004 - completes the management's vision for the venue.

ExCeL is gaining a reputation for hosting big events, including the 'Battle of Britain' boxing between Danny Williams and Audley Harrison, and the Boat Show. The International Motor Show will appear there for the first time in July this year.

James Buchan, ExCeL London's chief executive, 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."

ExCeL London will consult within the exhibition industry to determine how best to carry out the expansion plans while keeping up with the market demand.

Mr Buchan added: "Our projections show that the venue will be at full capacity in 2009. At present we anticipate phase two will provide an extra 30,000sqm of multi-purpose space with supporting hotel, leisure and entertainment facilities. The consultation process is designed to ensure that the development fully takes into account the demand in each of our core markets."

Mr Buchan has confirmed that his hopes are for a casino to be included in the plans for the supporting facilities.

Meanwhile, ExCeL London will this week unveil a reminder of the history of the Docks it now sits beside. A photographic display illustrating the history of the Royal Victoria Dock, George V and Royal Albert Docks will become a permanent installation at the main entrance, by Custom House DLR.

A spokesperson for ExCeL London said: "The display will start with pictures of King George V and Queen Mary opening the docks, running up to the present day aerial pictures of the area.

"The display will be used to celebrate the area's history as well as provide an eating and drinking area for guests."