Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre expansion announced

The Victorian State Government announced the venue’s expansion, a move that will retain MCEC’s mantle as Australia’s largest and busiest convention and exhibition centre.

The proposal expands the South Wharf precinct footprint to include new retail space, additional car parks, hotel accommodation and multi-purpose convention and exhibition facilities.

MCEC’s expansion proposal has been endorsed across the industry as the venue continues to turn away nearly 20 per cent of new business opportunities due to lack of available space.

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust Chairman Bob Annells said: “The expansion business case has been in the pipeline with the Victorian State Government and stakeholders for some time and we are grateful for their support. The investment supports the ongoing work MCEC conducts with the Melbourne Convention Bureau to attract business events to Victoria which are worth around $1.2 billion each year and generate 22,600 jobs.”

MCEC Chief Executive Peter King said the expansion proposal is in response to the changing business events industry, customer expectations and worldwide competition. “The expansion could include additional exhibition and banquet space, smaller meeting rooms, new plenary options and an exciting new indoor-outdoor networking and entertainment space.The development will enhance the flexibility of the whole precinct and ensure MCEC continues to deliver world class event experiences,” King said.

MCEC’s success has exceeded expectations following the Victorian State Government’s previous investment to build the new Convention Centre, which opened in 2009.

In the last 12 months MCEC recorded its most successful year in history, hosting 1030 events with nearly 1.5 million visitors and generating more than $274 million for Victoria. The venue’s success is set to continue with record growth projected again this financial year.