The Netherlands’ MECC Maastricht has announced its €49m upgrade and expansion is set to begin in June.
The expansion hopes to increase the economic value of the Limburg Province – the country’s most southerly province, from €70m to €80m annually.
Deputy for Tourism and Urban Development, Eric Geurts, commented: “The development of MECC Maastricht is extremely important for tourism in Limburg.
“After the completion of the upgrade and expansion, MECC Maastricht will become even more appealing as an international exhibition and conference centre.
“Together with the municipality and various partners, we have made major investments in the urban development and accessibility of the city in recent years. This is also really important since tourism is one of the mainstays underpinning our economy.”
The cost of the upgrade was initially budgeted at €35m, but the winning construction bid came in at a more expensive €49m. The Limburg Province and municipality of Maastricht have had to each invest €6.8m themselves to make up the difference.
Deputy Joost van den Akker says the investment will pay for itself in the long run: “The renovation of the MECC will give the area yet another boost which will not only provide us with a more attractive conference centre, but the entire Brightlands philosophy about the area will take on substantially more added value.”
“Thanks to the upgrade and expansion of MECC Maastricht, starting in 2021 the city of Maastricht and the MECC Maastricht will be able to be of even better service to organisers of international conferences lasting several days.”
