Aloft Hotel tops out at new AECC site

The Aloft Hotel, part of the new AECC project which includes The Event Complex Aberdeen (TECA), has “topped out” now that the structure has been completed.

The multi-million pound project, which is being delivered by Aberdeen City Council and its development partner Henry Boot Developments (HBD), being constructed by Robertson will provide a new world-class facility for Scotland. The 12,500-capacity arena along with conference and exhibition spaces will host major events and music concerts.

The new facility is expected to contribute an additional 4.5 million visitors, £113 million of visitor spend and £63m net Gross Value Added to the Scottish economy. It will also result in the creation of 352 full-time-equivalent permanent positions by year 10 of operations.

Nick Harris, director of HBD in Scotland, said: "The Aloft Hotel is a key part of this flagship project for Aberdeen and the north east. This is the last of the buildings under construction to 'top out', and we are now moving to the interior fit-out stage. The installation of the interiors has already begun at TECA itself and at the adjoining Hilton hotel, so we're entering another really exciting phase of the project where we will see the buildings really start to come to life."

Aberdeen City Council co-leader, Councillor Douglas Lumsden, said: "It is fantastic that another milestone has been achieved in what is one of the most significant developments for Aberdeen.

"The Aloft hotel is a new brand for Aberdeen and fits with the aims of our Regional Economic Strategy which has internationalisation at its heart. The build of the entire site is continuing at great pace and we're looking forward to watching it progress in the remaining months."

Robertson Group's chief executive officer, Derek Shewan, said: "There has been significant investment in Aberdeen in recent times and TECA is a major part of this. Venues such as this support the increased focus on travel and tourism in the area. As a company with its roots right here in the North East we're proud of the role we've played in making this development become a reality.

"To see all the major building exteriors within the complex complete is a significant milestone and a testament to the Robertson team's work and project management."

Designed by architects Cooper Cromar, with interiors by Twenty2Degrees, the new Aloft Hotel will be the first of its kind in Scotland. Both the Aloft and Hilton hotel will be managed by hotel management company RBH.

Andrew Robb, chief business development officer for RBH, said: "It's wonderful to see the Aloft structure completed – it represents a significant milestone in the journey towards opening the doors to our first guests in 2019, and is a major step forward in the AECC project as a whole. As an Aberdonian myself I am excited to see investment of this scale in the city and the benefits which this will bring to the wider community.

"This new hotel will see a second Aloft property join our growing portfolio, alongside Aloft Liverpool, and is representative of an increasingly strong partnership with brand owner Marriott. We look forward to bringing Aloft's quality accommodation and food and beverage offering to the city with the opening of this contemporary hotel."