This
week in our Handy Exhibition Venue Guide series, we’re visiting the former
Royal Agricultural Hall – a grand Grade II listed building that now goes by the
name of the Business Design Centre. Situated
in Islington, this striking venue features architecture originally inspired by
the breathtaking Crystal Palace.
As its
name suggests, the Business Design Centre is designed to boost business through
exhibitions and conferences. With prime
space spanning 6,000m² and plenty of flexible facilities on offer, we think
it’s the perfect place to big up your brand, and with over 300 events held
there every year you’re bound to find one that’s ideal for you.
Here at
Guardian Exhibition and Display, we’ve been helping our clients maximise their
messages at the Business Design Centre for years – meaning we’re old hands at
understanding what makes this such a special venue. So here’s the lowdown!
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| © Business Design Centre |
A brief history
The
Royal Agricultural Hall opened its doors for the first time in 1862, with an
intended purpose to host agricultural shows.
As the years progressed, the venue was consistently developed, and the
hall adopted various guises including a theatre, a bingo hall and even a
makeshift Post Office during the Second World War.
Years of
neglect followed, until the venue’s 1980s rescue in the form of developer Sam
Morris. It was in 1987 that the Business
Design Centre finally prepared itself for actual business, with a grand opening
by then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
These
days, the Business Design Centre hosts hundreds of events every year. The Mezzanine, its main exhibition space,
covers over 2,000 square metres, with conference facilities nearby that mean
you can conveniently arrange a large exhibition and a conference to run
together.
The
Business Design Centre incorporates an array of conference space, the largest
of which is The Gallery Hall, comprising 890 metres of space for large
conferences and events. The Gallery
Atrium provides additional room for catering, stands and drinks
receptions.
Notable events
The
venue’s Islington location was chosen for its proximity to the livestock market
in Smithfield, and the Royal Agricultural Hall played host to the Smithfield
Show every year until 1938.
Slightly
grander events include the Royal Tournament, held there from 1880 until the
early 20th century, and the first Crufts dog show in 1891.
More
recently, the Business Design Centre is home to the London Art Fair, the
largest contemporary art event of its kind in the UK.
Getting there
Incredibly
well-situated, the Business Design Centre is just a short walk from Angel,
Highbury and Islington tube stops, with Kings Cross St. Pancras and Euston not
much further away. There are plenty of
bus routes, and an on-site car park houses nearly 300 spaces.
Facilities
Facilities
The
Business Design Centre is located in the heart of Angel, an appropriately
heavenly setting for all kinds of bars and restaurants! On-site restaurant Jack’s changes its menu
daily, and there are also plenty of hotels within walking distance from the
venue.
Shoppers
are truly spoilt for choice too, with Camden Passage just opposite the venue
and offering a tempting selection of independent boutiques and cafes waiting
for you when you feel like taking a break from exhibiting.
What else is available for
exhibitors?
It would
be easier to ask what isn’t available
for exhibitors at the Business Design Centre! For starters, you’ll find a dedicated
exhibition team on-site to help make your event run perfectly smoothly.
The
venue has just completed a huge investment in its internet and wireless
systems, meaning it’s now one of the leading UK venues for infrastructure
services – ideal if you’re bringing a digital display.
With a
whole host of additional services on offer, you could even have fresh flowers
delivered direct to your stand if you ask nicely enough!
Can we
help you get display-ready for your next business-boosting exhibition? If so, please contact our friendly team
(here).
(Check out the BDC's website: http://www.businessdesigncentre.co.uk/)
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