A MULTIMILLION-pound project to upgrade Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) has been completed.

Work was carried out to upgrade its facilities and event spaces, with ‘significant’ upgrades to the venue's digital and AV technology provision.

State-of-the-art digital screens inside and outside the venue have been installed, and audio and visual highlights include new projectors and screens, improved wireless connectivity, lighting rig improvements, and energy-efficient LED fixtures.

Earlier this year, the BIC’s meetings hub, business lounge and breakout areas were fully refurbished.

Enhanced WiFi provides better connectivity across the hub while renewed energy-efficient air conditioning, heating, and ventilation systems supply optimum comfort.

The BIC’s first-floor Bourne Lounge has also been transformed; As a standalone event space, the Bourne Lounge can be converted into a purpose-built breakout area complete with a capacity of 200 for hosting private events, speakers, exhibitions, and hospitality functions.

Additionally, the venue’s in-house dining space, Elevate Brasserie & Bar, has been remodelled into a premium hospitality area with outdoor decking, and outdoor landscaping works have improved the BIC’s façade.

Two of the venue’s event spaces have also been completely remodelled: A new living roof installation on the venue’s Purbeck Hall entrance is in situ, and the foyer has been modernised with brand-new glazing, improved outdoor signage, and new bathroom facilities.

The Purbeck Lounge has been transformed too with new sea-facing windows and doors.

Its bar area has been refurbished and repurposed to give it a more modern look and feel.

Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) is managed and operated by registered charity and social enterprise BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.

BCP Council had pledged £1.8 million to complete these improvement works. This was strengthened by an additional £800k of investment from BH Live.

Steve Turner, BH Live’s director of venues, said: “Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) continues to generate tens of millions of pounds for the local economy year-on-year by providing employment and driving footfall to local businesses and public services. By providing attractive facilities through investment such as this, we are ensuring that Bournemouth and the surrounding region remains a fantastic place to live, work, learn and play for all.

“We are delighted this latest phase of work has completed and are looking forward to welcoming visitors and delegates back to the new and improved Purbeck Lounge and Purbeck Hall.

"Thanks to our joint investment with BCP Council, thousands of visitors will benefit from the venue’s enhanced facilities, ensuring a great experience whether they are attending a conference, exhibition, ice skating session, or concert.”

Councillor Richard Herrett, portfolio holder for destination, leisure and commercial operations, said: “The Bournemouth International Centre is such an asset and plays a really important part in bringing visitors to the area. It’s great to see our joint investment with BH Live breathing fresh life into the venue and its facilities.

“The teams here have done a fantastic job of continuing to operate the venue whilst implementing the works. Seascape South, the council’s wholly owned construction company, has pulled out the stops and the results are really outstanding!”

Upcoming investments at BIC include improvements to the venue’s multi-storey car park, landscaping enhancements, and additional sustainability investments.