The Welsh Government has agreed in principle to form a joint venture partnership with Wesley Clover, the parent company of Celtic Manor Resort, to move forward proposals to construct an international convention centre on the grounds of the resort in Newport, South Wales. The news was announced by economy minister Edwina Hart today (5 April).

The proposed £80m (US$125.85m) facility will be capable of accommodating up to 5,000 delegates with a total floor space exceeding 20,000sqm. The ICC could be completed and ready for use in 2019.

The minister said:

“The new convention centre will provide a considerable economic boost to Wales. The 2014 NATO Wales Summit and the 2010 Ryder Cup demonstrated that Wales and the Celtic Manor Resort have the ability to host events on a global scale. We need a world-class convention centre in order to capitalise on Wales’ growing reputation in this area, to host international events and conferences on a regular basis.”

Sir Terry Matthews, Chairman of Wesley Clover, said:

“I am delighted that we have reached this agreement in principle with the Welsh Government. I am confident the new convention centre, and the joint venture company, will be a financial success.”

The five-star Celtic Manor Resort was host venue for The Ryder Cup in 2010 and is set in more than 2,000 acres of parkland. The resort has two hotels – a 330-room luxury Resort Hotel and an historic 19th century Manor House with 70 rooms – two spas, two health clubs, fishing, adventure golf, treetop high ropes course, tennis courts, mountain biking and walking trails.