CELTIC Manor’s proposed world-class convention centre is set to pass its final hurdle as councillors are asked to grant full planning permission.

Outline planning permission was granted for the Wales International Convention Centre last July with councillors noting the predicted boost to Newport’s economy.

The centre is to be built close to Celtic Manor’s existing hotels and conference facilities at Coldra Woods.

Planning committee councillors next week will discuss final proposals for the centre, which is due to open in 2018, if permission is granted.

Designed to attract major events, the centre will have a capacity in excess of 20,000 square metres with the main auditorium being able to hold 1,500 delegates, making it the largest facility of its kind in Wales and the south west of England.

An exhibition hall able to accommodate 2,000 guests for a gala dinner is also in the pipeline as well as 15 meeting rooms.

It is estimated to generate 100,000 bedroom nights per year. Most of these would need to be accommodated off-site, with the Celtic Manor Resort capable of accommodating 20,000 a year.

Plans submitted to the council show the building will be approximately 23 metres high above ground level, some 32 metres above the level of the adjacent M4 motorway.

The building is designed with a prominent pitched roof, which slopes towards the south of the site.

Access for all visitors, staff and deliveries will be via the existing overbridge on the M4 and is accessed via The Coldra/Chepstow Road.

The existing access road past the Manor House will be remodelled and resurfaced and will be used for coach and VIP drop off.

The road will also access the new multi-storey car park, which links the proposed conference centre and existing conference centre and hotel.

International design company Scott Brownrigg was appointed by resort chairman Sir Terry Matthews last year to carry out the work, which is due to begin in 2016.

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”.