The ACT Government is delivering on its commitment to progress planning and design of the Convention and Entertainment Centre Precinct in the CBD, recently completing the first stage of its funding agreement with the Commonwealth.
Supported by the Federal Government's National Capital Investment Framework, the project is a key element of the ACT Government's long‑term economic strategy – growing non‑government sectors and attracting more people, businesses, and events to Canberra.
A procurement process will soon progress on reference design, all working towards anticipated completion of the Project Business Case in mid-2028. The Government will examine a Public‑Private Partnership (PPP) as a potential delivery model for the centre as part of this work.
Together with the new UNSW Canberra City Campus – which has commenced construction and will eventually be home to around 6,000 students and educators – the centre will form part of a precinct that transforms the south‑east of the city centre.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the project demonstrates the Territory and Federal Governments working together to deliver our shared plan for Canberra's future.
"Canberra needs a larger, modern convention and entertainment facility that can both meet future demand for business events and open more opportunities to host live music and entertainment in a large indoor venue.
"The existing convention centre is very busy and cannot meet future demand. A larger convention centre and entertainment centre will enable more, and bigger, events to be held in Canberra.
"This joint Territory and Federal Government investment will deliver a major city-shaping project that stimulates economic growth, supports business, grows more local jobs and helps create a livelier city centre," the Chief Minister said.
As the project progresses in the coming 12 months, next steps include detailed design, securing planning approvals and continuing industry and stakeholder engagement as the project moves towards construction readiness.
