Aloft Hotel AECC Aberdeen, Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre, Building News, Architect, Image

Aloft Hotel Aberdeen AECC

Exhibition and Conference Centre in Bucksburn, Northeast Scotland design by Cooper Cromar Architects

23 Jan 2018

New Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre Start on Site

Design: Cooper Cromar, architects

Work Begins On Aloft Aberdeen Exhibition And Conference Centre

Aloft Hotel at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre

New Aloft Hotel will be the first of its kind in Scotland.

Construction of a 150-bedroom Aloft Hotel on the site of the new Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (‘AECC’) has commenced.

The hotel will be the first building in phase 2 of the AECC masterplan at Bucksburn, and will be located just north of the Hilton Hotel that adjoins the new AECC, which is currently under construction.

image courtesy of architects

The multi-million pound AECC project, which is being delivered by Aberdeen City Council and its development partner, Henry Boot Developments Limited, and being constructed by Robertson Group, will provide a new world-class facility for Scotland. The 12,500-capacity arena will host major events including conferences, exhibitions and music concerts.

The new facility 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. It will also result in the creation of 352 full-time-equivalent permanent positions by year 10 of operations.

Designed by architects Cooper Cromar, with interiors by Twenty2Degrees, the new Aloft Hotel will be the first of its kind in Scotland and will include a signature WXYZ® bar, Re:mixSM lounge and gym. Designed to appeal to savvy next-gen travellers, the property will also feature contemporary urban-style interiors, tech-forward amenities and live-music programming. The hotel will be managed by the UK’s leading independent hotel management company, Redefine|BDL Hotels.

Nick Harris, Director of Henry Boot Developments in Scotland said: “Having a world-class music and conference venue in Aberdeen will be of tremendous benefit to the north east. Recent figures from industry body UK Music suggest 40% of people going to live music events are music tourists – people travelling to the venue from elsewhere in the UK or abroad.

The new AECC arena will have a capacity similar to the Hydro in Glasgow, making it far more likely that Aberdeen will attract the big names in entertainment and get a bigger slice of this music tourism pie. That’s why it’s great to have high-quality, modern hotels like Aloft on site to meet this need.”

Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Jenny Laing said: “This is another major milestone in the development of the new AECC which is a big part of our plan to transform the city with major new infrastructure projects. We’re looking forward to watching the progression of the Aloft hotel as it is built, and how it integrates with the other structures already in place.”

Robertson Group’s Chief Executive Officer Derek Shewan said: “The AECC will be a world-class events and conference space, with equally outstanding facilities. We at Robertson Group are proud to be constructing the Aloft Hotel, which will be situated on the AECC site. Groundworks have already begun on the hotel, which will ultimately boast 150 bedrooms over four floors.”

Andrew Robb, Chief Business Development Officer for Redefine|BDL Hotels and who hails from Aberdeen, said: “We’re delighted to be involved in introducing Aloft to Aberdeen – and indeed to Scotland – as part of the exciting AECC project. We already count Aloft Liverpool within our growing portfolio, so this represents our second management agreement with the Aloft brand, further strengthening our partnership.

“The start of work on the hotel is a huge milestone, and represents another step in the journey towards bringing visitors to Aberdeen, and locals, the quality accommodation and food and beverage offering that has become synonymous with contemporary Aloft Hotels.”

Aloft Hotel Aberdeen AECC Exhibition and Conference Centre

About Henry Boot Developments Limited

Henry Boot Developments is one of the most progressive property development companies currently working in the UK. We are part of the 130-year old London Stock Exchange listed Henry Boot Group of Companies. Henry Boot Developments is truly opportunity-led with a focus on high quality design and encouraging a collaborative approach with the public, local authorities and other developers alike. www.henrybootdevelopments.co.uk

About Aloft Hotels

With more than 125 hotels now open in nearly 20 countries and territories around the world, Aloft Hotels, part of Marriott International, Inc., delivers a fresh approach to the traditional staid hotel landscape. For the ‘always on’ next generation of traveler, the Aloft brand offers a tech-forward, vibrant experience and a modern style that is different by design. Aloft is proud to participate in the industry’s award-winning loyalty program, Starwood Preferred Guest®.

Members can now link accounts with Marriott Rewards®, which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® at members.marriott.com for instant elite status matching and unlimited points transfer. For more information, please visit www.alofthotels.com.

About Robertson Group

Robertson is one of the largest independently owned construction, infrastructure and support services companies in the UK. We have reached our 50th year of trading in better shape than ever, with a strong confirmed order book, diverse income streams and a dedicated, expert workforce.

Covering the entire built environment lifecycle, we operate throughout the UK, with offices across Scotland and the North and Midlands of England.

The group was established in 1966 by our Executive Chairman, Bill Robertson CBE. His strategy of creating a broad range of companies – run as separate, fully resourced entities – has ensured strong growth, value-creation and career opportunities, and has led to the comprehensive group of well-run companies that exists today.

Robertson comprises 19 businesses, directly employing over 1,900 people. These include regionally based construction companies, timber engineering, facilities management, a capital projects business dedicated to public sector partnerships, property development, regeneration, civil engineering, building services, and housebuilding for the private and affordable markets. A strong entrepreneurial culture – built on the foundations of innovation, productivity, safety and sustainability – permeates all of these businesses.

Although we encompass a variety of separate businesses and capabilities, we are one group with a common goal: working together to transform communities.

About RBH

Redefine|BDL Hotels (“RBH”), the UK’s leading independent hotel management company, manages a diverse collection of over 75 branded and private label hotel properties.

Working in partnership with five of the most prestigious international hotel brands, including IHG, Hilton, Accor, Marriott and Wyndham, RBH is a driving force in the hospitality industry.

The company offers a wealth of hotel management expertise and currently has an annual turnover under management in excess of £350m.

The RBH expert team of over 140 hotel specialists operate from offices in London and Glasgow. The portfolio unites over 11,000 rooms across the managed and leased hotels.

Aloft Hotel Aberdeen AECC images / information received 230118

Website: Cooper Cromar Architects, Glasgow

Conference Centre / Exhibition venue hosting sports, comedy, music and corporate events.

Address: Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre, Exhibition Avenue, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, AB23 8BL

Phone: 01224 824824

Location: Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre, Exhibition Avenue, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, AB23 8BL, northeast Scotland, UK

Architecture in Aberdeen

Aberdeen Architecture Tours

Aberdeen Buildings – News

Keppie Design

Marischal Square Hotel
Design: Halliday Fraser Munro, Architects

image courtesy of architecture office
Marischal Square Hotel Aberdeen

Maggie’s Aberdeen
Design: Snøhetta, Architects

photo : Philip Vile
Maggie’s Aberdeen Building

Union Terrace Gardens
Design: Keppie Design Ltd

image of previous design for the gardens
Union Terrace Gardens Architecture

Peacock Visual Arts Building Aberdeen
Design: Brisac Gonzalez Architects

image courtesy of architects practice
Peacock Visual Arts Building Aberdeen