“ In addition to reducing journey times and expanding catchment areas , we expect to see an even higher percentage of C-Suite delegates attending our events as a direct consequence . In short , the Elizabeth line will give people more of that most precious of commodities – time – allowing them increased opportunities to network , learn and of course trade – just as we saw pre-pandemic when some £ 165 billion was transacted per year at UK events .
“ ExCeL is now arguably the world ’ s most connected event venue with two underground lines , one mainline station , an airport , road links , bus
“ ExCeL is now arguably the world ’ s most connected event venue with two underground lines , one mainline station , an airport , road links , bus services , water taxis and even a cable car all within earshot .”
services , water taxis and even a cable car all within earshot .”
Delays Despite the delight over the opening the project the journey has been long and beset with delays .
Construction of Crossrail began on May 15 , 2009 , when then Prime Minister Gordon Brown and then mayor Boris Johnson saw the start of piling work at Canary Wharf station .
At the time , Crossrail was expected to open in 2017 .
In summer 2018 mayor Sadiq Khan was told that a new opening date of December 2018 still could not be hit . Further delays - and an increase in costs from £ 14.8bn to £ 18.9bn , saw the opening slip to “ no later ” than the end of June 2022 .
At the time Rees said he was “ disappointed ” with the delays .
Since reopening last
summer , ExCeL has welcomed more than 1.5 million visitors to the venue and is set to host 350 events this year .
ExCeL has also embarked on an impressive 25,000sqm expansion programme .
An additional 25,000sqm of event space will be created , with 12,000sqm of exhibition space on the ground floor , and integrated into the existing venue . The plans also include a high-end convention space , state-of-the-art meeting rooms and catering facilities on the upper floor . In addition , a “ substantial ” investment will be made in greenery along the dock edge , improved landscaping , and a new pocket park . The extension will increase overall floorspace by 25 %. EN
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