Plans have been submitted by EventCity, proposing the creation of a state-of-the-art events venue in TraffordCity.

If approved, the impressive relocation scheme will see EventCity move from its current location on Barton Dock Road, to the present site of Soccerdome.  The new site in TraffordCity will bring the venue closer to several existing leisure venues and hotels, as well as providing excellent road and public transport access. 

With a multi-million-pound investment, the purpose-built events space will boast an enhanced premium offering whilst still providing the same blank canvas as its existing core offer. EventCity will leave its current location and temporarily cease operations in July 2020, with a swift reopening of the new venue in September 2020.

Part of a tripartite proposal with Peel L&P, plans also include the current site on Barton Dock Road proposed to become home to unique wellbeing resort, Therme Manchester, alongside the creation of a new football facility to replace the current pitches in the Soccerdome.  

News of the relocation follows Marketing Manchester’s recent announcement of its new strategy, focused on growing the city’s existing tourism value by 40%, adding an additional £345 million over five years. The strategy calls on partners across Greater Manchester to seize the opportunity that business tourism presents, including attracting more conferences to the city over the next five years, an aspiration that the bespoke venue aims to achieve.

Neil Lees, Acting Chief Executive at EventCity and Deputy Chairman of the Peel Group comments, “It has long been an ambition for the business to redesign the setting into a more dedicated space. We’re committed to offering our clients and visitors the very best experience, and we’re confident that our plans for the new venue will do just that, whilst still providing the second largest conference and events space outside of London.”

The improved space will include updated features, such as a central foyer with breakout space and a reconfigured entrance hall. The venue will be designed to serve as a flexible conference, exhibition and gala dinner space. There will be divides available from 1000m2 upwards, a great option for those wanting to hold smaller events. It will also offer free parking spaces for circa 2,000 vehicles.

The new venue will strengthen TraffordCity’s already impressive offering as the UK’s most comprehensive experiential leisure and retail destination. Clients can rub shoulders with premium and emerging brands in a prime location with ample free parking and no city centre congestion. TraffordCity is already home to an unrivalled range of activities including ski slopes at Chill Factore and indoor skydiving at iFly.

Alongside the adventure activities, intu Trafford Centre has something for those looking for a more leisurely day out. With over 280 stores such as Selfridges, John Lewis and Debenhams, the shopping centre is also home to popular establishments such as San Carlo and Carluccio’s, leaving visitors to TraffordCity spoilt for choice.   

Further details on the development of the site will be announced in due course.