Centerplate wins £45m ACC Liverpool contract

Centerplate has secured a seven year £45m deal with ACC Liverpool to run catering and hospitality at the venue.

The caterer, which bought the Lindley Group in April 2013, will introduce new food concepts and showcase regional dishes at the venue which includes the BT Convention Centre, Echo Arena and new Liverpool Exhibition Centre, which will open in 2015.

The contract, won after a competitive tender, had been managed by Lindley Group's Heathcotes Outside division since the venue opened in 2008. Centerplate will now take on the contract at ACC Liverpool, which will be its flagship UK and European site.

Centerplate's chief design officer John Sergi had already been working with the UK team this year to relaunch the Echo Arena's catering services. New initiatives included Mersey Eats and Mersey Drinks concepts, showcasing regional dishes and suppliers.

The caterer has also introduced a new food offer which includes the ‘Scouse dog', a pork hot dog made by local supplier Andrews topped with Liverpool ‘scouse' and pickled red cabbage; nachos served with Mrs. Kirkham's Lancashire cheese sauce; and Chicken peppercorn wraps. Meanwhile, bottled beer has been replaced by draught dispensers to speed up service and a greater range of wine and soft drinks are available.

Bob Prattey, chief executive of ACC Liverpool, said: "As we embark on the next phase of the development of the site, the Centerplate team has demonstrated that it has the global expertise, creative flair and a passion for engaging with local suppliers and the local community which not only delivers measurable results and enables us to evolve this internationally renowned arena and convention centre, but also ensures that it reflects its Liverpool heritage and remains rooted in the local community."

Adam Elliott, president of the Lindley Group and executive vice president, Centerplate, added: "Working with some of the top entertainment venues, convention centres and sports stadia in the US and Canada, Centerplate has brought some terrific insights into identifying opportunities and maximising the potential afforded by a facility on the scale of ACC Liverpool."

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