Millennium decision imminent

Imagination, Event and Neal Potter Design Associates are this week poised to hear if they have roles in what is potentially the biggest exhibition design project of the century.

Both the site and operator of the Millennium Festival were due to be decided yesterday (Wednesday). As Design Week went to press, the Millennium Commission declined to say if its decision would be announced immediately.

No clear favourites had emerged between the operators competing for the project, the M2000 consortium – involving Neal Potter Design Associates and Event – and Imagination, nor between the rival sites, Birmingham and London’s Greenwich.

Indeed, many commentators were backing M2000 – more closely allied with Greenwich – and Birmingham, identified more strongly with Imagination’s bid.

“Both [potential operators’] designs are transferable,” emphasises a spokeswoman from the Millennium Commission.