Auxilium Engineering Services have been engaged by Celtic Manor to provide building services engineering design consultancy services.

The project, which will add to the resort’s existing conference facilities, will accommodate up to 5,000 delegates with total floor space exceeding 20,000 square metres. It is expected that the new convention centre could be completed and ready for use in 2019.

Business Minister Edwina Hart said: “The new Convention Centre would provide a considerable economic boost to Wales. The 2014 NATO Summit and the 2010 Ryder Cup demonstrated that Wales and the Celtic Manor 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.”

Chief Executive of the Celtic Manor Ian Edwards said, “The convention centre will cost £100m to build and make happen. It will house a 4,000-seat ballroom which will be the largest, pillar-free ballroom in Europe. It will bring 700 additional underground car parking spaces and be able to cater for 5,000 delegates.”

He added, “There will be 350 construction workers on site during the two and a half year build, which will bring in about £50m to the local economy just during the construction phase.”

Mr Edwards was speaking at the fourth Newport City Summit, held at the University of South Wales’ City Campus in the centre of Newport.