NEW YORK (AP)—The long-awaited renovation and expansion of New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center has been approved by the Public Authority Control Board.

Gov. David A. Paterson said Thursday construction will begin immediately. He said the $463 million project will create 9,000 construction jobs. It calls for a 100,000-square-foot expansion that will include new exhibition space. An earlier plan called for 500,000 square feet. The center now has 790,000 square feet.

Activities at the convention center will continue during construction, slated to end in 2013.

The Javits Center opened in 1986. It is New York City’s primary venue for major trade shows.