A MULTI-million pound building in the shape of the Millennium Dome is being developed for a top-level meeting of world leaders.

De Boer Structures, of Middleton Road, Banbury, has spent more than £3m developing the all-purpose circular arena, seating 4,000 people, ready for the G7 Summit in Cologne in June.

De Boer chairman Klaas De Boer said the 70ft tall Millennium Structure reflected a combination of the style of a modern sports stadium and that of great amphitheatres and opera houses of the past.

The roof can bear up to two tonnes of equipment and can also support a stage coming down from the ceiling.

He said: "It is a great honour for our Millennium Structure to be chosen to host the G7 Summit. It is a testimony to the giant steps taken in the development of the temporary structure industry over recent decades.

"Our structures offer everything that a permanent building can, but you can place them anywhere you want. They are a moveable feast."

The company has also won a ten-year contract to house exhibits at this year's Chelsea Flower Show and has invested £3.5m on a new building for the centrepiece of the show.

De Boer managing director Jeremy Perkins said: "We are building something for Chelsea which will shake the industry. It is a quantum leap in structural design and evolution.

"Features in the new system include special ventilation systems in the roof and walls.

The new structure will maximise use of space between the trees on the site."

De Boer has previously worked with the Royal Horticultural Society supplying hospitality areas for the Hampton Court International Flower Show.

Story date: Tuesday 04 May

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