The center will cover a total area of nearly 39,000 sqm Courtesy of Polimex-Mostostal

Warsaw Stock Exchange-listed construction firm Polimex-Mostostal has signed a zł.252.7 million contract with the City of Katowice for the construction of a complex called the International Convention Center.

Located in the vicinity of Katowice’s Spodek arena, the multifunctional structure will cover a total area of 38,948 sqm and comprise a multipurpose main hall, an auditorium, banquet hall, as well as a restaurant and cafeteria, among other facilities.

Construction of the development is planned for completion by May 2013, with 50 percent of the costs due to be financed by European Union funds, and the other 50 percent by the City of Katowice. The project was designed by JEMS Architekci studio.

Speaking at a press conference held to announce the agreement, Minister of Regional Development Elżbieta Bieńkowska said, “this is one of the most important projects for the city, region and ministry.”

“It is an example of successful cooperation pursued by government authorities. It is also an example of the measurable results of EU funds,” she added.

The city authorities hope the scheme will act as a stimulus for the development of business tourism in Katowice, with as many as 80,000 visitors expected every year to the International Conference Center.

Katowice currently occupies fifth place in Poland in terms of total number of meetings and events hosted in the fields of economy, science, culture and politics, according to Polimex-Mostostal. Of the 18,000 such events held around the country last year, 1,071 took place in Katowice.

Last month, city authorities in Kraków also agreed on a deal to build a new conference center there. They signed a contract worth over zł.317 million with a construction consortium of Polish firm Budimex and Spain’s Ferrovial Agroman.

“This is the center Kraków needed,” said city mayor Jacek Majchrowski.