Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre expansion confirmed

MCEC’s expansion announced in Victorian State Budget
Tuesday 5 May 2015
The Victorian State Government today announced up to $210 million for the long-awaited expansion of
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) in the 2015-16 State Budget.
Stage two of MCEC’s expansion will ensure MCEC remains Australia’s largest convention and exhibition
space.
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust Chairman Bob Annells said: “We have been working closely
with the Victorian State Government and stakeholders to develop a proposal that meets the global
demand for multi-purpose convention and exhibition space.
“The investment supports the work MCEC conducts with the Melbourne Convention Bureau to attract
major business events to Victoria and aligns with the government’s Victorian Visitor Economy Review to
support the growth and development of this sector.”
MCEC Chief Executive Peter King said the highly anticipated announcement was welcome news for
industry and Victoria.
“Melbourne has led the growth of the business events industry globally for the last decade and it’s
wonderful to see government investing in this lucrative and important sector.
“$580 million of economic contribution is generated annually from MCEC’s activities and the expansion is
estimated to generate an additional $175 million annually for the state.
“MCEC’s expansion will significantly expand the South Wharf precinct footprint to offer a range of flexible
spaces to meet the changing needs of the business events industry, address global competition and
ensure we retain our position as Australia’s number one business events destination.”
The completion of MCEC’s expansion is expected to result in an additional 74,000 international visitors
annually, create hundreds of jobs and provide an estimated $167 million boost to the economy.
The venue has had a record three years while turning away 20 per cent of business opportunities due to a
lack of available space, and exceeded expectations following the Victorian State Government’s previous
investment to build the new Convention Centre in 2009.
Each year the award-winning MCEC attracts more than 1000 events, 1.5 million visitors and is recognised
globally for its excellence in event delivery.
The Victorian State Government will be working with Plenary and their partners to negotiate and finalise
the proposed expansion master plan and details will follow in the coming months.
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Contact: Kendall Munns, Communications Manager,
T +61 3 9235 8216 | M +61 410 220 578 | E [email protected]
www.mcec.com.au