A DESIGN concept has been released for a new Celtic Manor conference centre to be built in Newport, by the contractor appointed to do the work.

International design company Scott Brownrigg will carry out detailed design work for the Wales International Convention Centre, as announced by resort chairman Sir Terry Matthews on Tuesday night.

The centre, which could generate 150 new jobs and boost spending in the city by £30 million, is to be built close to Celtic Manor’s existing hotels and conference facilities at Coldra Woods.

Back in June, Newport council planning officers said the development had “clear economic benefits” to South East Wales and the planning committee approved the plans.

The Argus previously reported that conference centre would include a multi-storey car park and could generate more than 100,000 bedroom nights per year, with the Celtic Manor Resort only capable of accommodating 20,000 a year.

Celtic Manor Resort chairman Sir Terry Matthews said: “We’ve made no secret of our desire to expand our successful business at the Celtic Manor and build on our status as the number one conference hotel in the UK.

“It makes me proud to be working with the Welsh government to deliver the International Convention Centre that Wales so badly needs. It will rival any convention facility in Europe and act as a magnet for major events, bringing huge benefits to the Welsh economy.”

First Minister Carwyn Jones said: “The recent NATO Summit and the Ryder Cup have shown Wales and the Celtic Manor have the ability to host events on a global scale.

“In order to capitalise on Wales’ growing reputation in this area we need a world-class convention centre to host international events and conferences on a regular basis.

“That is why we are supporting Celtic Manor 2014 Ltd as it develops its plans to create an iconic International Convention Centre.”

Neil MacOmish, group board director at Scott Brownrigg said the company was delighted to have been chosen and the centre would be “both memorable and create a lasting contribution to the special place, context and environment, not just of the Celtic Manor Resort but of this part of Wales”.

The International Convention Centre is scheduled to complete in 2018 and is set to have a state-of-the-art auditorium, exhibition hall and facilities for around 4,000 delegates, making it the largest facility of its kind in Wales and the south west of England.

With more than 20,000 sq m of space, the main auditorium will hold 1,300 delegates with the flexibility to divide into smaller spaces, while a separate exhibition hall will stretch to 4,000 sq m and be able to accommodate up to 2,000 guests for a gala dinner.