BOURNEMOUTH International Centre will undergo a £1.8m upgrade.

Customer areas in the venue will be refreshed with new high-tech equipment, lighting screens and audio technology in a bid to “grow levels of business in the events and conferencing market.”

The upgrade will begin in June and works will be planned around events to minimise the disruption with the venue remaining open throughout.

BCP Council said the scheme will maintain Bournemouth’s “conferencing offer and upgrade facilities in line with other modern venues across the country”.

Bournemouth Echo:

As previously reported by the Daily Echo earlier this year, civic leaders are looking at the prospect of linking major redevelopment plans for the Winter Gardens and BIC sites.

Councillor Mohan Iyengar, portfolio holder for tourism and active health, said: “People may know that the council has been exploring ideas for a brand new BIC on-site or in the vicinity – and these discussions continue with no final decision yet made.

“But until any such plan reaches fruition some years into the future, business must go on – and expand. I welcome this investment which will keep Bournemouth on the national circuit in a dynamic and ever-changing market for events.”

Chris Symons, BH Live’s CEO, added: “This programme of investment will hugely improve the BIC’s market positioning as a conference centre of choice, ensuring it is highly attractive to event organisers and continues to bring in a variety of events to the region.

"We are really looking forward to completing the works so we can provide an enhanced offer to delegates and visitors.”

The BIC opened in 1985 is owned by BCP Council and operated by BH Live.