Work will start in September building the new Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre at the historic home of the famous airshow.

Construction will see the creation of a new double-height exhibition hall alongside function and meeting rooms.

Designed by architects, Terence O’Rourke, the development will comprise a 12,500 sq m. exhibition hall to support Farnborough International’s expansion.

The scheme will also include multi-purpose function rooms and restaurants, taking the entire new facility to 20,000 sq m of event space.

The new development has been part-funded by the Local Enterprise Partnership, Enterprise M3, Hampshire County Council, Rushmoor Borough Council and Barclays.

Completion is expected to be reached by early 2018.

Peter Whitmore, Business Unit Director, Wates Construction Southern Home Counties & South West, commented: “Wates’ southern project portfolio has grown extensively in size and diversity over the course of the past few years and our role in the expansion of Farnborough International’s estate is a mark of the extensive expertise our team continues to build.

“The months leading up to September will be spent working closely with our client to ensure that we understand and deliver on their aspirations for an exceptional multi-purpose event space that befits an international centre for high profile business events.”