Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre

Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre
Name	Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre
Caption	The SECC complex, including the Armadillo.
Location	Glasgow, Scotland
Coordinates	55, 51, 39, N...
Opened	1985
Closed	2019 (as primary venue)
Owner	Glasgow City Council
Operator	SEC Ltd
Type	Exhibition centre, Convention center
Seating capacity	12,000 (Arena)
Website	https://www.sec.co.uk/

Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre was a major exhibition centre and convention center located on the north bank of the River Clyde in Glasgow, Scotland. Opened in 1985 by Queen Elizabeth II, it became a cornerstone of the city's post-industrial regeneration and a leading venue for large-scale events in the United Kingdom. The complex was owned by Glasgow City Council and operated by SEC Ltd, forming a key part of the larger Scottish Event Campus. It ceased functioning as the primary venue in 2019 following the opening of its replacement, the OVO Hydro.

History

The centre was conceived as part of the Glasgow Garden Festival 1988 and broader regeneration plans for the former Queen's Dock industrial site. Its construction was championed by Glasgow District Council and funded through a partnership with the Scottish Development Agency. The official opening by Elizabeth II in 1985 marked a significant moment in Glasgow's transformation, preceding its tenure as European City of Culture in 1990. Throughout its operational life, the venue hosted pivotal political gatherings, including the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 1997 and the 31st G8 summit in 2005.

Facilities

The main building contained over 22,000 square metres of flexible exhibition hall space, divisible into multiple halls. The central SECC Arena was a versatile space capable of seating up to 12,000 for concerts or configuring for major exhibitions like the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. A separate, purpose-built conference centre offered tiered auditoriums and meeting rooms. The integrated complex also included extensive catering kitchens operated by Levy Restaurants UK, on-site BBC Scotland broadcast facilities, and direct covered access to the adjacent Clyde Auditorium.

Events

The venue's calendar was dominated by large public exhibitions such as The Scottish Boat Show, The Glasgow Comic Con, and the BBC Good Food Show. It was a regular stop for major arena tours by international artists like Beyoncé, AC/DC, and Rihanna. The centre also hosted prestigious sporting events, including the World Badminton Championships, the European Athletics Indoor Championships, and matches for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Corporate and political events ranged from the Scottish Conservative Party conference to the Labour Party (UK) spring forum.

Redevelopment and SEC Armadillo

The most significant architectural addition was the Clyde Auditorium, designed by Foster and Partners and opened in 1997. Its distinctive curved roof form earned it the nickname "The Armadillo," which later became part of its official branding as the SEC Armadillo. This 3,000-seat venue, renowned for its acoustics, became a home for performances by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and a key venue during the 2014 Commonwealth Games cultural programme. The success of this structure directly influenced the masterplan for the wider Scottish Event Campus.

Transport and access

The site was served by its own Exhibition Centre railway station on the Argyle Line and North Clyde Line of the ScotRail network. Major road connections were provided via the M8 motorway and the Clyde Tunnel. Adjacent to the Finnieston district, it was also accessible by numerous First Glasgow bus services and Glasgow Subway stations such as Kelvinhall. Pedestrian access was enhanced by the Clyde Arc bridge and the Glasgow Harbour development.

Management and operations

The centre was owned by Glasgow City Council and operated by SEC Ltd, a company wholly owned by the council. This entity also managed the SEC Armadillo and the later OVO Hydro, collectively marketing them as the Scottish Event Campus. Key partners included AEG Presents for concert promotions and ASM Global for venue management expertise. The venue's operations were a major economic contributor to the Glasgow City Region, supporting thousands of jobs in the tourism and hospitality industry.

Category:Buildings and structures in Glasgow Category:Convention centers in Scotland Category:Music venues in Glasgow Category:1985 establishments in Scotland