Manchester Furniture trade show has announced that its venue, the Manchester Central Convention Complex, has been commissioned as an NHS 'Nightingale' hospital.
As of Friday 27th March 2020, NHS chief executive, Sir Simon Stevens, announced the commissioning of the venue as a 'Nightingale' hospital to support the NHS in its efforts to manage the COVID-19 pandemic.
The organisers of Manchester Furniture Show, set to take place at the venue between 19th and 21st July, have commented on this significant move.
Event Director Cleere Scamell said, "Late on Friday we received notification that Manchester Central Complex is to be commissioned as a temporary field hospital to support the NHS during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"As Organisers of Manchester Furniture Show we fully support the need to prioritise the greater good during this difficult time."
Cleere continued, "Consistent with wider developments, this approach to the venue from HM Government occurred extremely rapidly and given the need for confidentiality this was shared with us and other event organisers only at the time the news was made public.
"With the show due to take place in three and a half months, we are working very closely with MCC and await further guidance regarding the likely length of this repurposing. We will continue to share updates as soon as the venue team receive more clarity from the authorities.
"In the meantime, our experienced team continues to focus on delivering a refreshed, revitalised and refined edition of this important mid-year touchpoint for the furniture and wider interiors sector, while prioritising the health and wellbeing of our staff, exhibitors and visitors."
For further information contact Cleere Scamell or Cleere.Scamell@clarionevents.com; or Kate Pilling, Marketing Manager Kate.Pilling@clarionevents.com