- Redevelopment plans for the Perth Convention and
Exhibition Centre to undergo detailed Project Definition Phase (PDP) planning
- Plan delivers a new tourism and economic hub for
Perth, showcasing Kings Park and providing new waterfront facilities, housing,
commercial and hospitality venues
- New $16.6 million investment to progress the
proposal, together with the joint venture
Plans
for an iconic waterfront precinct have taken another step forward today, with
the State Government to undergo Project Definition Phase planning for the
redevelopment of the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC).
The
proposed redevelopment would transform Perth's waterfront and create a
long-term economic boost for Western Australia, unlocking a new pipeline of
construction jobs for the future and creating new local jobs across a diverse
range of industries.
PCEC
was built in 2004 and is the oldest convention centre in Australia not to have
had a major redevelopment. It is leased by Wyllie and Brookfield until 2039 -
with Wyllie and Brookfield - as the joint venture - working with the State
Government to explore redevelopment opportunities.
A concept proposal has
been considered by the State Government, with further work now required through
the Project Definition Phase to ensure the project is properly scoped and
costed before agreements are reached.
The State Government will
work collaboratively with Wyllie and Brookfield on the Project Definition
Phase, and has allocated $16.6 million to progress the proposal.
The project would create
an iconic waterfront precinct on the Swan River, with a world-class and highly
competitive convention space to attract major business events to WA.
It would deliver a new
tourism and hospitality hub for Perth which includes improving connectivity to
Elizabeth Quay, showcasing the Swan River and Kings Park, and delivering a new
public realm including outdoor theatre on the Swan, as well as new public
waterfront facilities and new food and beverage venues.
The existing convention
centre building would be significantly refurbished to increase capacity and
capability to attract new major business events, while development
opportunities would be provided for a new premium hotel, residential apartments
across the affordability and accessibility spectrum, and commercial and
innovation space.
Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:
"Our goal is to make the
most of this stunning location.
"We have the opportunity
to create a new tourism and economic hub for Perth.
"The redevelopment can
showcase Kings Park and the Swan River while providing new waterfront
facilities, housing, tourism and hospitality venues, and thousands of new jobs.
"Attracting events,
fostering innovation and boosting tourism is a key part of our vision to
diversify the economy for WA's future."
Comments attributed to Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Our beautiful waterfront
has so much potential, and this exciting proposal certainly presents an
opportunity to cement our city's status as a world-class destination to visit
and do business.
"A redeveloped Perth
Convention and Exhibition Centre will no doubt boost our efforts to continue
growing tourist numbers, generating millions in visitor spend and diversifying
our economy.
"Business tourism in
particular is very lucrative, and we're keen to capitalise on the fact they
generally spend up to five times more than the average tourist, by attracting
more business events to Perth with a state-of-the-art convention centre."
