Ician, the Amec and Crosby jv bidding to develop the 14.9 ha (37-acre) Kings Waterfront site, Liverpool, has amended its proposal to incorporate a major exhibition centre and arena.
The move tackles head-on a rival bid from SFX and Houston Securities, who have proposed a Liverpool stadium, which would be let to Everton FC.
Ician had originally proposed an exhibition centre of around 9,300 sq m (100,108 sq ft) operated by Excel, the firm behind London’s Docklands Arena. Revised plans now show an exhibition centre of 23,225 sq m (250,000 sq ft).
Icians £300m original scheme included 22,000 sq m (236,814 sq ft) of offices and 11,613 sq m (125,000 sq ft) of new leisure, hotels and visitor attractions.
The SFX and Houston bid remains the favourite to win the controversial bidding battle, despite the need for up to £100m in public sector support if it went ahead.
EGi News 05/06/01
