The ACT Government is progressing a pipeline of city-shaping infrastructure projects that will strengthen Canberra's visitor economy, support business growth and build the city's capacity for major events in the future.
As outlined in his recent State of the Territory Business Address, Chief Minister Andrew Barr said major investments, including the Convention and Entertainment Centre, new lyric theatre and Light Rail Stage 2A, will help Canberra attract more visitors, host larger events and create new opportunities for local businesses.
"Infrastructure is not simply about construction. The right infrastructure expands economic capacity, helping to attract investment, support productivity and create opportunities for businesses to grow," the Chief Minister said.
Planning continues on the new 7,500 seat Convention and Entertainment Centre, which will be three to four times larger than the existing facility. The venue will be able to attract more national and international business events and capture greater economic benefits from conferences and conventions, while also enabling Canberra to host major concerts, sporting events and performances.
The new Convention and Entertainment Centre will be complemented by the new 2,000-seat lyric theatre, which is currently under construction and scheduled to open in 2028.
The new theatre will have a larger capacity than existing theatres at the Canberra Theatre Centre, helping to attract major productions that currently bypass Canberra and bring more world-class experiences to local audiences. By year five of operation, the new lyric theatre is projected to contribute almost $34 million each year to Canberra's economy and generate more than 111,000 visitor nights annually.
"Together, the Convention and Entertainment Centre and the lyric theatre will create a world-class events precinct capable of hosting activity almost every day and night of the year.
"They are once-in-a-generation projects that will support local jobs and create new opportunities for businesses across hospitality, accommodation, retail, entertainment, production and event services into the future."
Alongside these city-shaping projects is Light Rail Stage 2A, which will connect the city centre with Commonwealth Park, Lake Burley Griffin and the new Canberra Aquatic Centre, supporting urban renewal, housing growth and increased economic activity.
The Chief Minister said these projects all form a key part of the Government's plan to grow Canberra's visitor economy and ensure the city remains competitive as it approaches a population of more than half a million people.
"Our ambition is to increase overnight stays, lift visitor spending and attract more international visitors who spend more time experiencing everything the city has to offer.
"These investments are part of our plan for Canberra – helping to reshape our city centre, support jobs and economic growth, and create new reasons for people to spend time in the city.
"They build on the many government-supported events that contribute to our growing visitor economy, which is on track to meet the $1 billion growth target we set under our T2030 Phase 2 tourism strategy," the Chief Minister said.
