MCEC completes A$350m expansion

The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre has completed an expansion project worth a total of A$350m (US $262m). The 20,000sqm expansion includes 9,000sqm of exhibition space as well as a theatre, multiple meeting rooms, a banquet room, a café and a bar. It ensures the MCEC remains Australia’s largest events space. It was funded by the 2015-16 Victorian State Budget in partnership with Plenary Group and their private partners, with building works commencing in 2016. The new space is anticipated to generate an additional 74,000 international visitors every year, resulting in an annual A$167m (US $125m) boost to the Victorian economy. Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust chairman John Brumby said: “We’re incredibly proud of our expansion and the benefits it will bring for our customers, our city and our state. A project like this involves a lot of different people and I think the success of this building is a testament to the strong engagement among key stakeholders throughout planning and construction.” The Victorian government provided A$205m (US $153m) for the expansion, while Plenary and its partners invested more than A$150m (US $112m). Plenary Group chairman John O’Rourke added: “We planned for this expansion when designing the Melbourne Convention Centre a decade ago, so it is great to be finally realising what we envisioned.” The project was designed by NH Architecture and Woods Bagot. NH Architecture’s architecture and design director Hamish Lyon commented: “The MCEC expansion is a continuation of the outstanding qualities of the existing building. The new event areas and public spaces will ensure the precinct is a vibrant destination for both locals and visitors.”