Midlands-based The Ricoh Arena is set to unveil the fruits of its £3m investment programme next month.

Since January 2010, £3m has been invested into both the venue’s exhibition and conference facilities, with a view of making the venue more appealing to international organisers and delegates.

Enhancements to the facilities will include three new exhibition halls with retractable walls, boosting capacity from 8,000 to 10,000 and event space from 6,000sqm to 8,500sqm and a new 650-seat indoor auditorium featuring sound proofing and audio visual technology.

"Event organisers appreciate flexibility and convenience, and our new areas have been designed with these requirements in mind," says executive director, Angus Houston. "This is the biggest development at the Ricoh Arena since opening in 2005, and we are hoping to attract more delegates and organisers from all over the world."

The grand opening will take place on May 14.