With the state of Victoria being a national leader when it comes to major business events, it has been decided that the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) needs an expansion. Nearly 20,000 square metres of flexible, multi-purpose event space including new exhibition halls and additional meeting and banquet rooms will be added. Once completed, the centre will total over 70,000 square metres with the newly added space generating an additional 74,000 international visitors which will translate into $167 million.
"Business events are the highest yielding sector of the Victorian visitor economy and we applaud and support the expansion of MCEC which will contribute to the ongoing benefits this sector generates for Melbourne and Victoria," said Karen Bolinger, Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) chief executive officer.
Peter King, MCEC chief executive, said the expansion was critical to ensuring the venue can accommodate the growing global demand for multi-purpose meetings and event spaces. "We're thrilled to share our plans which complete the vision for MCEC as a vibrant, world-class events and entertainment destination," King said.
"One of the key features of the MCEC is the diversity of events that are conducted at the venue every day that attract over two million visitors annually," King added. "This expansion means more events for Melbourne and most importantly allows our customers to grow their events with us."
Construction is estimated to be completed in early 2018.