AFRICA – Nigeria’s Calabar International Convention Centre (CICC) is on track for its official opening in February 2015, as the heavy propping system used to support the architecture was removed to reveal the standalone building.
Some 1,500 tons of concrete and steel remained in place without columns as the supports were all removed on 24 July.
Project Manager of CICC, Reginald Longdon, stated that no building of this kind currently exists in the west African region and commended contractors Bouygues Construction for their achievement in the making of this world-class facility.
Construction of the CICC began in 2012, after a design bid won by renowned Danish architects, Henning Larsen. The first commercial events are set to commence in late February 2015.
Nigeria’s first purpose-built conference facility will be able to accommodate events including international congresses, corporate conventions, and government retreats. The new building can host 10 to 2,000 delegates, exceeding 5,000 seats in 21 different venues.
The centre’s foyers will provide delegates with views of the Calabar River and its natural environment.
During a small celebration on site to congratulate the project team, the Governor of Cross River State, Sen Liyel Imoke, said the convention centre will be a catalyst for economic growth in the state, attracting tens of thousands of delegates from all over Nigeria and around the world.
In the US, Panama is hoping the opening of a new convention centre in 2015 will boost its position even further.
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