Plans continue for new Weirton conference center

BIRD’S EYE VIEW — Renderings show an overhead view of what the proposed Weirton conference center could look like once completed. According to those involved with the project, construction could begin sometime in 2027. -- Contributed
WEIRTON — While it may still be a few years away, the effort to establish a new conference center in Weirton continues, with an eye toward providing a space for local activities and draw events from outside of the area.
The most recent possibility of developing a conference or convention center in Weirton was raised in April 2023 through a proposal by the Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Business Development Corp. of the Northern Panhandle.
In the time since, a feasibility study, market analysis, and economic impact study have been performed, which officials say indicate the time is right for such a project to move forward.
“Ideally, we’re looking at starting construction in 2027,” explained Rachel Keeney, executive director of the CVB, adding construction would take an estimated 12 to 18 months.
The next steps include revising a cost estimate for the project to assist in pinpointing the funding needed and working on architectural designs with the possibility of purchasing the property sometime later this year.
Some support for those goals recently was announced through the awarding of a $770,000 Economic Enhancement Grant through the West Virginia Water Development Authority. Keeney noted those state funds can be put toward construction designs, site acquisition, and preparation of the property.
Eyed for an area of the Park Drive development, the conference center would be owned by the CVB with a management company put in place to operate the facility.
“You want the venue to capture as much impact as possible,” said Anthony Clements, executive director of the BDC, who reported studies indicated the possibility of $7.8 million in direct economic revenue, each year, and $3.5 million in indirect spending.
Keeney further noted construction of the facility could provide $23 million in economic stimulation, with 155 construction jobs, with the possibility of 24 tourism-based jobs created. Effects would be felt through the conference center itself, as well as increased spending at local hotels, restaurants, and other businesses from locals and visitors alike.
“They’ll be staying at our hotels, eating at our restaurants, and patronizing local shops,” Keeney said. “Everyone will see an impact from it being here.”
The proposed 34,000-square-foot facility would include designs for a central ballroom area, which could be configured for events of various sizes, as well as a series of smaller boardroom-style meeting areas.
“The main focus has been flexibility,” Keeney said, indicating the number of companies looking at the region in recent years, along with Weirton’s proximity to Pittsburgh and a number of local organizations needing space would keep such a conference center active. “There will be something going on regularly.”
The design would include a mix of modern, professional settings with reflections of the area’s industrial past featuring brick and metallic aspects to tie in different eras of the community.
To date, support for the project have been provided through funding from both the CVB and BDC, as well as a rural business development grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and technical assistance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The City of Weirton previously was approached for support, and other funding sources are being sought.