IMPACT Exhibition Management has landed the management contract from Thailand Post for the 80-year-old Grand Postal Building in Bangkok, marking the first time the Thai company is managing a venue in the city centre outside its own complex in Muang Thong Thani.
Located on Charoen Krung Road in Bangrak district, the recently restored landmark was officially opened on August 4 by Thai princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The Grand Postal Building will continue its postal service but also serve as an event venue.
Paul Kanjanapas, managing director of Impact Exhibition Management, said the historic building would serve as a “unique” venue.
“Corporates, the government and private individuals in or near the city centre looking for a ‘different’ experience in a convenient venue location will be targeted. We expect to earn over 100 million baht (US$3.2 million) from managing Grand Postal Building during the first year of operation,” he added.
Impact has earmarked more than 100 million baht over the next few years to enhance technology systems and F&B services at the architectural icon, Paul revealed.
Grand Postal Building provides over 3,000m2 in total floor space for meetings, exhibitions and events over two levels. The Postal Heritage Hall on the ground floor comprises a 1,054m2 area that can seat a maximum of 576 pax classroom-style and 440 pax banquet-style. The 80-seat Manorah Thai Restaurant, due to launch in 4Q2013 on the building’s ground floor, will also cater for private events.
The third floor features three mid-sized meeting rooms across 2,197m2 of floor space. The 245m2 Postcard can accommodate a maximum of 207 seats theatre-style, the smaller 144m2 Postal Theatre can accommodate a maximum of 120 seats while The Letter seats up to 88 pax within an area of 99m2.
An outdoor area of 1,000m2 in front of the building is also available for activities and exhibitions. The new venue boasts the latest Wi-Fi technology and ample parking space.
Impact Exhibition Management will also manage a new 20,000m2 convention centre on Patong Beach in Phuket when construction of the facility is completed in 2015-2017, according to general manager Loy Joon How.
