The world-class complex, which includes the P&J Live arena and two on-site hotels, officially opened its doors this week. The landmark events campus is an integral part of Aberdeen City Council’s transformational programme of investment and the project was a joint venture between Aberdeen City Council, HBD and Robertson, who were the main contractor on the project.

Construction work began in August 2016 to deliver a 15,000 capacity arena which will host conferences, exhibitions and music concerts. In addition to three further conference and exhibition halls, the site also features a 200-room Hilton hotel and a 150-room Aloft hotel.

There were several challenges on the project, including the east end of the site being located immediately below a flight path, the demolition of existing buildings as part of the enabling package, the diversion of an existing watercourse, and the re-routing of major utilities.

The main conference and exhibition building includes a mezzanine link to the hotel and a basement link to the car park. The eye-catching design includes a complex roof profile, and the construction required very high specifications to meet significant acoustic criteria.

One of the main features of the project is its contractor-designed, modular energy centre. Making use of advanced CCHP (combined cooling, heat and power) technology, the centre will serve the energy requirements of both the hotel and the main TECA building.

Bill Robertson, founder and executive chairman of Robertson, said: “The Event Complex Aberdeen (TECA) is a staggering accomplishment and one that we have been thrilled to play a major part in.

“As a company with roots in the North East, it has been a genuine privilege to lead the construction of a complex which will benefit the region for generations to come. It has been a pleasure to deliver the transformational vision of Aberdeen City Council and Henry Boot Developments.”

Ed Hutchinson, managing director, HBD, said: “Everyone at HBD is immensely proud to have been involved with this iconic build alongside Aberdeen City Council and main contractor Robertson. The doors of this truly world-class event, hospitality and exhibition space will open to the public on Saturday and it will be hugely satisfying to see their reactions as they get their first glimpse of this new entertainment venue.”

The £333 million facility, benefiting from excellent transport links through the neighbouring Aberdeen International Airport and city bypass, is expected to contribute an additional 4.5 million visitors, £113m of visitor spend and £63m net Gross Value Added to the Scottish economy over 10 years. It will also result in the creation of 352 full-time-equivalent permanent positions by year 10 of operations.

Several test events are scheduled for the venue ahead of the Offshore Europe conference and exhibition getting underway on September 3.