This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
THE Western Australian government is undertaking Project Definition Phase planning for the redevelopment of the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC).
The iconic Perth waterfront redevelopment will deliver a new tourism and economic hub for the city, including new waterfront facilities, housing, commercial and hospitality venues.
Originally built in 2004, PCEC is the oldest convention centre in Australia to have not undergone any major redevelopment.
The centre is leased by Wyllie and Brookfield through to 2039, with the two groups also working as a joint venture with the state government.
The joint venture and the WA government has made a new $16.6 million investment to progress the Project Definition Phase (PDP) proposal.
“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,” said Roger Cook, premier.
“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.
The redevelopment will also unlock a new pipeline of construction jobs and new local jobs across a diverse range of industries, when the world-class and highly competitive convention space is completed and attracts major business events to WA.
“Attracting events, fostering innovation and boosting tourism is a key part of our vision to diversify the economy for WA’s future,” added Cook.
The existing convention centre building will also be significantly refurbished to increase capacity and capability to host major business events.
With development opportunities to also be provided for a new premium hotel, residential apartments, plus commercial and innovation space.
“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,” said Rita Saffioti, minister for tourism.
“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.”
