Denver votes for new convention centre

Denver voters have approved a major expansion of the Colorado Convention Center. Currently the Colorado Convention Center has 63 meetings rooms; a 14-acre exhibition hall; one of Colorado’s largest ballrooms; a 5,000-seat, state-of-the art theatre and 1,200 parking spaces. The new plan involves the development of new flexible meeting and ballroom space of up to 8,000sqm the addition of more than 9,000sqm. of pre-function and service space tincluding a 5,000 sqm outdoor terrace on the roof of the existing convention center. Both the pre-function and outdoor event spaces will have unobstructed views of the Rocky Mountains and city skyline. These new facilities will be integrated into the building, and attendees will have access to the center’s existing exhibit, meeting room and ballroom levels. Technology improvements will position the Colorado Convention Center as a “best-in-class” facility, keeping pace with current technologies and demand, including increased capacity for Wi-Fi and streaming video. A spokesman for the project said funding for the expansion will come by extending current taxes that are set to expire in 2023, while no new taxes will be involved. He said: “When there is a major convention in town, tens of thousands of people flood into the city, accessing a variety of services — from three meals a day to places to shop, sleep and be entertained. The convention center helps support downtown Denver’s five art museums, three sports stadiums and 300 restaurants.New and improved networking spaces will be incorporated into the building, providing exciting and innovative spaces that capture the spirit of Denver and Colorado, and allow attendees to connect in new ways.”