KITTING out Scotland's newest conference centre has begun with more than 800 workers transforming the inside of the £333 million facility.

Developers said the Event Complex Aberdeen (TECA), which will replace the current Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre, has reached a milestone as the fit-out begins ahead of its completion next year.

New computer-generated visualisations of the multi-million pound venue, which is being delivered by Aberdeen City Council and its development partner, Henry Boot Developments Limited (HBD), show the arena and restaurant envisaged by the venue’s architect Keppie Design.

TECA is being built by Robertson Group and will provide a larger conference facility for Scotland which is close to Aberdeen International Airport.

The 12,500-capacity main arena will host conferences, exhibitions and music concerts - the current conference centre which has 2,000 fewer seats has hosted artists including The Stereophonics, The Script and Gary Barlow - and is expected to attract major names and events to the city.

The Herald: The Stereophonics

Above: The Stereophonics played Aberdeen

The facility is also expected to bring an additional 4.5m visitors and nearly £176m to the economy, with the creation of 352 full-time equivalent permanent positions by year ten of operations.

Nick Harris, director of HBD in Scotland, said: “These new images of the arena and restaurant are an exciting glimpse into how the facility will look when it opens.

"Work is continuing to progress on schedule, with finishing touches currently being made to the roof, and it’s amazing to think that in just a few short months, interior spaces like these will really be taking shape.”

Derek Shewan, Robertson Group chief executive, said: "More than 850 Robertson employees and contractors, including many local joiners, painters, electricians and plumbers, are currently transforming the interior of the building into a world class event, hospitality and exhibition space.”

Douglas Lumsden, Aberdeen City Council co-leader, said that the facility will bring revenue through increased visitor stays and larger audience numbers, and that the move sits with the council push for "increased internationalisation of Aberdeen and the wider area".