Work is progressing to deliver once in fifty year infrastructure projects as part of the Government's long term plan to build Canberra's future.
Funding will be provided through the Budget Review to progress planning on three of Canberra's major precincts – Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC), a new Convention Centre Precinct and the Bruce Sports, Health and Education Precinct.
This investment will support technical due diligence for a new rectangular stadium in Bruce as part of an expanded sports, health and education precinct, linking investments in the AIS precinct, CIT Bruce, University of Canberra and the Northside Hospital.
Design work will also commence for a new Convention Centre Precinct in Canberra's city centre, which will include new convention facilities and an indoor Entertainment Pavilion suitable for live music and major indoor sporting events.
Design work for Stage 1 of EPIC's redevelopment will include a new large multipurpose exhibition hall to accommodate larger exhibitions and gala sit down dinners for thousands and multiple large scale community-based events. The first stage will also include new intersections and a new public entrance. The redevelopment will allow existing events to grow and for multiple events to be held concurrently.
The Budget Review will also support the refurbishment of Fitzroy Pavilion at EPIC, with $4.6 million to be invested this year to refurbish the pavilion and turn it into a versatile event space to meet the immediate demand for large-scale community and multicultural events in Canberra.
Quotes attributable to ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr:
"As Canberra's population nears half a million people, we are getting on with the job of delivering the once-in-a-generation infrastructure the city will need.
"The Government's plan is to deliver projects like a new stadium and a new convention centre as part of broader precincts that will encourage increased economic activity and new jobs by attracting major business conferences and events.
"The refurbishment of Fitzroy Pavilion is part of the government's longer-term plan to redevelop EPIC, with the Budget Review also allowing us to continue to progress planning for a new large-scale multipurpose facility on the site."
"These infrastructure projects will define our city's future, and early planning and consultation will ensure they can support our growing city for decades to come."
