Give us our conference centre!

Byline: By Phillip Nifield South Wales Echo 

Cardiff needs a major convention centre if it is to compete for major UK and European conferences against rival cities.

That's the message from city hoteliers, who believe a council-led complex with an exhibition site in the Wood Street area is crucial to the continued development of the Welsh capital.

Mark Walker, general manager of the city's Hilton Hotel and chairman of the Cardiff Hoteliers Association, said: 'In reality, the plans for a conference centre should have happened a couple of years ago, but the city has not moved forward.

'With the football returning to Wembley next year, it will mean eight events being lost. We need a purpose- built complex as in other capitals such as Dublin and Edinburgh.

'We have had perhaps two major international conventions in Cardiff this year.

'If Cardiff can attract international visitors that would greatly assist the growth of Cardiff International Airport as has happened in Edinburgh.'

Mr Walker said the city was suffering from an over-supply of hotel space in mid-week, although at weekends breaks to Cardiff were proving popular.

A total of 700 bed spaces have been added over the past 18 months.

The idea of a convention centre has also been promoted by Cardiff Chamber of Commerce, while Cardiff council is looking at a complex as part of a major redevelopment of the city's Central Square.

'There is no doubt that Cardiff will have a convention centre in time.

'It is a question of when, not if,' added Mr Walker.

The Labour Party has previously ruled out its autumn conference coming to the city because it does not have large enough facilities. WHO'S GOT WHAT: BOURNEMOUTH International Centre has a 7,000 capacity, sitting and standing. Named as the venue of the 2007 Labour party conference, and the Booksellers Association and Royal College of Nursing next year. BRIGHTON Centre has 4,500 capacity and held this year's Labour conference. Will be hosting the Ideal Home Show later this year. BLACKPOOL'S Empress Ballroom at Winter Gardens has a capacity of 2,500. It hosted the Conservative and Liberal Democrat conferences this year.