Inside ambitious masterplan to expand Glasgow’s SEC campus
Destination SEC is designed to retain and enhance the SEC's and Scotland’s position as a leading international venue for live entertainment, conferences and exhibitions for decades to come.
Destination SEC is designed to retain and enhance the SEC's and Scotland’s position as a leading international venue for live entertainment, conferences and exhibitions for decades to come.
SEC chief executive Dominic McKay has made clear that expansion is increasingly necessary as the existing venues operate closer to their limits.
Speaking to The Herald's Brian Ferguson, he said: “Glasgow was ahead of the curve when the SEC was built 40 years ago. We want to make sure we remain really competitive in the global market we operate in.
“While we are based in Glasgow and are very proud to be Glaswegian and Scottish, our days are spent thinking about other countries around the world. Our competition is Melbourne, Paris, London, New York, Lisbon and Bilbao.
“We think of ourselves, and we act, on the international stage. We have got to keep investing to make sure we remain competitive."
Phase one of Destination SEC will focus on the redevelopment of the car park situated in front of the OVO Hydro. At a similar size to Glasgow’s George Square, the East Plaza and activation zone will provide Scotland with a new outdoor events space and enhanced civic location.
Holmes Miller
The Destination SEC vision would significantly expand the campus, with proposals for a 10,000-capacity outdoor venue, a new 5,000-capacity indoor events space and an increase of more than a third in conference and exhibition capacity.
Holmes Miller
The plans also envisage new residential accommodation, a high-quality hotel and offices on the western side of the site, alongside more major sporting events and a replacement for the ageing pedestrian bridge over the Clydeside Expressway.
Holmes Miller
The campus, which includes the Hydro, SEC Armadillo and SEC Centre, is already one of Glasgow’s most important economic assets. It generated an estimated £557 million in economic value for Glasgow during 2024/25 after welcoming more than two million visitors, while turnover increased by 30 per cent to £54.4 million.
OVO Hydro