The ACT Government is investing in a national convention and entertainment precinct and a new Lyric Theatre to boost tourism.
The government of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has announced that a significant investment of its 2025-2026 budget will go towards a new national convention and entertainment precinct in Canberra.
The project will be located in the city’s CBD, and has been approved in light of the existing convention centre being at capacity and unable to meet future demand.
It will comprise a larger convention centre alongside an integrated 8,000-seat entertainment centre. The ACT Government said this will allow the national capital to host major summits, conferences, entertainment, including live music and indoor sporting events.
It said: “The precinct will secure Canberra’s place on the live music touring circuit and as a destination for business events. This will boost the ACT’s visitor economy and grow local jobs in tourism, hospitality and construction.”
Budget investment will support feasibility and design work, progressing it to construction readiness, then design and construction. Dates for the start and completion of the project have yet to be confirmed.
The ACT Government has also announced that it is making major investments in Canberra’s arts and cultural life, with a budget to support the delivery of the new Canberra Lyric Theatre.
It said this will transform the Canberra Theatre Centre and attract blockbuster productions and touring shows.