EventCity pulls relocation plans and announces closure

Conference and exhibition centre EventCity in Trafford has pulled plans for venue relocation and has announced its closure.

The large-scale events venue – which has previously hosted a range of events including Winter Funland, the Ideal Home Show and Park N Party – had already been scheduled to close and relocate to a new, purpose-built facility on the site of the old Soccerdome nearby next spring, but the plans, which were approved earlier this year, have now been withdrawn and EventCity will cease trading completely from 31st March 2021.

Owners Peel Group confirmed the closure yesterday evening.

It said that the economic impact of the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis on the events and hospitality sector had been “far more extreme than anyone could have envisaged”.

In a statement addressing the closures, a Peel Group spokesperson said: “EventCity’s business strategy throughout the COVID-19 crisis has been focussed on the health, safety and wellbeing of our people, while protecting as many jobs as possible during this exceptionally challenging period.

“In recent weeks, it has become increasingly clear that the depth of the economic contraction, particularly in the events and hospitality sectors, is far more extreme than anyone could have envisaged. Regrettably, we have had to take the decision to close EventCity by 31st March 2021 and withdraw our plans for a new facility, which were approved by Trafford Council in February of this year.”

Construction had yet to begin on the new venue, and Peel is understood to now be exploring other potential leisure options for the Soccerdome site.

A consultation process has now been launched with staff and around 20 roles are understood to be affected.

The spokesperson continued: “The team have been working hard to follow government guidelines ensuring our re-opening plans adhere to strict protocols set out by a variety of standards and leading industry bodies,”

“A reduced team will operate the events until closure takes place and we will be working with colleagues to support them through this period. The economic uncertainties should in no way undermine the extraordinary commitment and loyalty our colleagues have shown during these most testing times.

“We would like to thank you for your support and commitment over the years and we wish you all the best for the future.”

The current EventCity site on Barton Dock Road is set to be replaced by Therme Group’s £250 million indoor wellness resort.

Plans for the state-of-the-art development were approved in April and it’s set to open in 2023.

The resort will house a number of pools, water slides, a wave pool, swim-up bars, warm water lagoons and botanical gardens, and there’ll also be a range of spa facilities – including steam rooms, saunas and therapeutic mineral pools – plus a daily programme of water-based fitness classes, such as yoga and pilates.

You can find more information at the Therme Group website here.