Calls for new Cardiff conference centre

A Cardiff councillor has said a dedicated conference centre in the city could boost the economy and bring in new business. Independent councillor Adrian Robson has called on the council to seriously consider putting plans for a conference centre for the city in the new Local Development Plan – a 15 year vision currently being drawn up by the city's planning officers. But the council's executive has said in the current financial climate the council cannot afford to build a new facility. Rhiwbina councillor Adrian Robson said: "As part of the Local Development there now should be some indication of how this conference centre should be built. "It's important Cardiff, as the capital of Wales, should have a dedicated venue where large conferences can be held. "It's going to need support from other agencies. But the economic benefits of this would outweigh the costs." Cardiff & co, the marketing agency for Cardiff, said a new conference centre would make Cardiff a 'serious contender' in the business market and provide 'bread and butter' business for local hotels and the leisure industry. Spokesperson for Cardiff & Co Hywel Thomas said: "Having a dedicated conference centre would, first and foremost, raise the city's profile amongst conference organisers. It would signal the capital's intent and ambition to be a serious contender in this lucrative market. "The additional scope of such a facility would, it is hoped, expand the city's reach in terms of attracting conferences that hitherto may not have considered Cardiff. Clearly, the additional capacity of such a venue would open new doors and hopefully increase the number of delegates coming into the city." Cardiff & Co will this spring host the Welsh Conservative party conference at Cardiff's SWALEC stadium which looks to attract 2,500 delegates. The Cardiff Convention Bureau hope to continue with this agenda to attract conference business to the city. Thomas added that the compact nature of the city lends itself to conference style events. He said: "While major events provide a significant boost for the local economy, they are periodic. "Conferences on the other hand provide the 'bread and butter' business for the hotel and leisure industry. Cardiff's compact city-centre, with most of the attractions within walking distance of the venues and hotels is a strong selling point. "A sentiment supported by The British Meetings and Events Industry Survey 2010 which shows that Cardiff is the seventh most popular conference destination in the UK. The establishment of an 'international' conference centre would present the city with an opportunity to take another step forward." Cardiff council's leader Rodney Berman has responded to Adrian Robson's question as put to the executive at last week's full council meeting. Berman said: "The executive has consistently championed the case for a conference convention centre and recognises that this is a critical piece of business infrastructure that will reap a significant dividend for the local economy. "I support the arguments made by the local business community on the issue and can give you my assurance that the executive is doing everything possible to make the aspiration a reality." Berman added that financial implications of the project has stilted development – and would cost the council form £35m-£140m depending on its size and facilities. He added: "The council is not in a position to fund that capital funding requirement at this time and is therefore in negotiation with the Welsh Assembly Government to ascertain what financial support it may be able to provide or whether there is a creative way to deliver what would be a major national facility." Berman said no formal commitment had been made. Do you think the city should have a dedicated conference centre? Leave your comments below.