Construction work on Sheffield’s new £5.5m purpose-built events and conference venue, The OEC, has begun.
Nestled between two of Sheffield’s iconic leisure and entertainment venues, Napoleons Casino and Owlerton Sports Stadium, The OEC will take centre stage with a striking events and conferencing space unlike any other. The venue will boast a range of impressive, multi-purpose suites, catering for up to 500 guests.
Sheffield-based WMA Architects have been taking the lead on the project, and construction company Harris CM have started work on this exciting new venue, which will have the ability to host weddings, conferences, large banquets, indoor sporting events and concerts and is due to open this autumn.
Mark Allen, Chief Executive at The A&S Leisure Group, commented: “We’ve had a vision for this venue for some time now and we’re excited to finally get cracking with the build stage.
“With an excellent reputation for offering great leisure and hospitality at Owlerton Stadium and at our four Yorkshire casinos and restaurants, this multi-million-pound development will only add to that.
“Our time has been spent getting the right team in place to deliver this project, from local Yorkshire suppliers and contractors, to the appointment of Venue Director, Gary Cook. Gary’s reputation for delivering outstanding venues and events around the region precedes him. His previous role at Chesterfield Football Club saw him launch the new £15m stadium and we’re confident he will help drive our vision forward making The OEC one of Yorkshire’s finest events and conference venues.”
The OEC will offer the perfect business and technological facilities for Conferences, Exhibitions, Meetings and Workshops. The Rivelin Suite will be fully adaptable and will hold up to 500 guests, or can be split up into three separate suites for anywhere between 100 to 250 guests. The 4 VIP Hospitality Boxes will offer panoramic views of Owlerton Stadium and will seat up to 20 delegates.
The investment by the leisure and hospitality operator is part of a wider company development, with a new casino also set to be built in Manchester city centre, located on Portland Street close to the entrance to China Town and due to open in early 2020.
