$176M Expansion and Upgrade for Cairns Convention Centre

The Cairns Convention Centre will open its brand-new expansion in 2023, changing the entire look of the venue and adding amazing new spaces to the recently refurbished Centre.

The government predicts the expansion and upgrade will have major economic benefits for Cairns, including an additional $30 million of economic benefit for the regional economy each year, greater investment in Tropical North Queensland, 20,000 extra visitors annually and job creation.

The Centre, which has been operated by ASM Global since it opened in 1996 and twice named winner of the World’s Best Congress Centre (2004 and 2014), will undergo a refurbishment of existing facilities and an expansion providing an additional 3,000 square metres of meeting, banquet and exhibition space, overlooking Trinity Inlet. 

The refurbishment of the existing centre plus the addition of new exhibition space and meeting rooms is the result of a $176 million investment. The 10,500 sqm expansion includes a large undercover, tropically planted forecourt, and expanded main entry lobby on the entry levels. The Mezzanine level includes a 410-seat plenary lecture space that can be divided into two spaces, three 110 seat meeting rooms that can be combined, and exhibition space for up to 30 display booths.

The brand new third level includes a 500-seat banquet with a large adjoining pre-function space and external terrace with spectacular views over Trinity Inlet. The Centre is equipped with fully integrated AV systems including projectors, screens and sound systems.

Ross Steele, General Manager, Cairns Convention Centre, said, “We welcome the announcement made in the recent budget. The continued commitment by the State Government will allow the Cairns Convention Centre to grow in line with the aspirations of the city, with new hotels, new aquarium and continued strong investment in the city heart, it really is an exciting time in Cairns."

With the Queensland Government Economic Recovery Bid Support Program funding available, an amazing array of 5-star hotels and a city that has been revitalized with significant investment, officials hope this will be a defining time to put the city on the map for large-scale conferences and events.