The ACT Government is seeking a “specialist consultant team” to put together the business case and reference design for a new National Convention and Entertainment Centre.
The government expects the work tendered to reveal the scope and cost of the major new piece of business events infrastructure as well as outlining the benefits and risks of building a new venue and potential delivery options for the project.
The new convention and entertainment centre would include a larger meeting space footprint than the current National Convention Centre Canberra, which is turning away business due to capacity constraints, as well as an 8,000-seat entertainment centre.
The new venue is proposed for the current site of the Canberra Olympic Pool, with a new Canberra Aquatic Centre to be built in Civic.
At this stage, $200 million in joint funding by the ACT and federal governments is committed to the aquatic centre and the new convention and entertainment precinct.
“The new National Convention and Entertainment Centre will transform Canberra’s city centre and support the growth of the national capital,” said federal infrastructure minister, Catherine King.
“This tender marks the next milestone in advancing one of Canberra’s most significant city-shaping projects under the National Capital Investment Framework – a project the Australian Government is proud to support through a $31 million commitment to help develop the centre’s design.”
The ACT’s chief minister, Andrew Barr, called the convention and entertainment centre “a once-in-a-generation infrastructure project that will help shape Canberra’s future as a growing, confident and ambitious city”.
“This joint investment by the ACT and Australian governments reflects our shared commitment to delivering the infrastructure needed to support economic growth and attract major events,” said Barr.
“The next phase of work will ensure we have a robust business case and reference design to inform future investment decisions and position the project for delivery.”
Federal minister for Canberra, Alicia Payne, said local businesses and tourism groups had been pushing for the new venues “for many years”.
The tender for the work closes at 2pm on September 15, with details available through the ACT’s tender portal.
