A concept image of a new National Convention Centre and Entertainment Precinct. Image: ACT Government.
Next decade’s major infrastructure project for Canberra’s CBD has taken a step forward with the ACT Government seeking a consultant to develop the business case and early design for the National Convention and Entertainment Centre to be built on the Civic pool site.
The government has released a tender for a specialist consultant team to develop a reference design for the new centre and undertake detailed planning to understand the project’s scope, costs, benefits, risks and delivery options.
It says the proposed centre is a key component of a long-term economic strategy to support the attraction of major conventions, business events, live entertainment and cultural activities to Canberra.
The project will also contribute to the ongoing transformation of the southern and eastern CBD, alongside other significant Australian and ACT governments’ investments in the precinct, such as light rail, the Canberra Aquatic Centre and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) city campus.
The project hinges on the development of a new aquatic centre in Commonwealth Park to replace the Canberra Olympic Pool.
An actual start on constructing the Convention and Entertainment Centre is not expected until the new decade.
The ACT and Albanese governments have committed $200 million in matched funding for both projects.
The Federal Government’s $100 million is being made under the National Capital Investment Framework, and includes $31.1 million for the design work and business case, to progress the Convention and Entertainment Centre Precinct project to a ‘ready for construction’ stage.
The balance of the Commonwealth’s commitment will be $68.9 million for the design and construction of the Canberra Aquatic Centre on a new site in Commonwealth Park.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr reiterated his government’s infrastructure priorities this week when announcing the new cabinet, saying the next big project after the new lyric theatre would be the Convention and Entertainment Centre.
The likely new stadium at Bruce sits behind that.
“We are making progress with the Commonwealth on the Bruce sports, health, and education precinct … so all of these projects advance but they can’t all be delivered at once for obvious reasons of both infrastructure, delivery capacity, and they need to be carefully managed from a financial perspective,” Mr Barr said.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr says the National Convention and Entertainment Centre will be the CBD’s next big project. Photo: Ian Bushnell.
Announcing the tender, Mr Barr said the new National Convention and Entertainment Centre would be a once-in-a-generation infrastructure project that would help shape Canberra’s future as a growing, confident and ambitious city.
“This joint investment by the ACT and Australian governments reflects our shared commitment to delivering the infrastructure needed to support economic growth and attract major events,” he said.
“The next phase of work will ensure we have a robust business case and reference design to inform future investment decisions and position the project for delivery.”
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said the project would transform Canberra’s city centre and support the growth of the national capital.
“This tender marks the next milestone in advancing one of Canberra’s most significant city-shaping projects under the National Capital Investment Framework,” she said.
Federal Member for Canberra Alicia Payne said the new Convention Centre would be a game changer for Canberra.
“This project will provide a significant boost to the ACT construction, tourism and hospitality sectors and has been called for by local business and tourism groups for many years,” she said.
Property Council ACT & Capital Region Executive Director Ashlee Berry said the announcement was a positive step forward for a piece of infrastructure the industry and business community had been advocating for over many years.
“A new convention and entertainment centre is critical infrastructure for a growing national capital,” she said.
“It will help Canberra attract major conferences, exhibitions, entertainment events, and business visitors, creating economic activity that flows through our hotels, restaurants, retailers and tourism operators.”
Ms Berry said Canberra’s existing convention centre had served the city well but was no longer capable of meeting the expectations of many major national and international events.
She said this was exactly the type of productivity-enhancing infrastructure Canberra needed.
Ms Berry said the Property Council looked forward to engaging constructively throughout this initial process, encouraging both levels of government to maintain momentum.
“Canberra has been talking about a new convention centre for more than a decade. This announcement is encouraging, but the community and business sector will rightly be looking for a clear pathway from planning to construction,” she said.
