THE battle for supremacy in the Northern Ireland exhibition market is set to heat up as the King's Hall unveils plans for a new events space.
It said the Eikon Exhibition Centre, scheduled to open in the autumn, would be the "pinnacle of Northern Ireland's exhibition industry".
During the Troubles, the King's Hall was the only major venue but has been eclipsed in recent years by the Odyssey Arena - set to undergo a major revamp in the summer before reopening as the SSE Arena in September.
Meanwhile, the Titanic Exhibition Centre is set to open this autumn in Queen's Island and an extended Waterfront is due for completion next year.
The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society - which is reaping the benefits of moving its main show to Balmoral Park - is set to plough millions into the bespoke facility at the same venue.
The society said it had already attracted major exhibitions to the centre adding that "discussions continue with many interested parties".
Among them is the Irish Golf Expo in November.
Theresa Morrissey, King's Hall financial and commercial director said: “The construction of the Eikon will establish the venue as the premier exhibition and event centre for Northern Ireland. The location is ideal as has been demonstrated by the year on year increased visitor numbers to the annual Balmoral Show, which this year was in range of 90,000 with over 88 per cent of visitors travelling in excess of 10 miles.
"A recently commissioned independent survey completed by over 2,000 exhibition and events attendees reinforced what visitors want from the Eikon; quality events, free on-site car parking, public transport options, modern facilities and friendly helpful staff. The Eikon will be the only exhibition and events venue in Northern Ireland that delivers on all counts.
"Event organisers require a flexible space therefore the Eikon has been designed for ease of use and includes permanent and innovative service installations to ensure that costs to organisers are known and minimised. In addition to this, organisers can confidently rely on the unrivalled expertise of our events and operations teams to deliver their event. With additional indoor events space programmed to open in 2016, event organisers can look forward to growing their events over time at the Eikon."
