The Property Council of Australia today welcomed the release of the tender to develop a business case and reference design for a new National Convention and Entertainment Centre, describing it as an important milestone for a project that will help secure Canberra's economic future.
The successful tenderer will develop a reference design for the new centre and undertake detailed planning to inform the project's scope, costs, benefits, risks and delivery options.
Property Council ACT & Capital Region Executive Director Ashlee Berry said the announcement was a positive step forward for a piece of infrastructure the industry and business community had been advocating for over many years.
"This is welcome progress for what will be one of Canberra's most important city-shaping projects," Ms Berry said.
"We acknowledge the commitment shown by both the Australian and ACT Governments in progressing this important project."
"A new convention and entertainment centre is critical infrastructure for a growing national capital. It will help Canberra attract major conferences, exhibitions, entertainment events, and business visitors, creating economic activity that flows through our hotels, restaurants, retailers and tourism operators."
Ms Berry said Canberra's existing convention centre had served the city well but was no longer capable of meeting the expectations of many major national and international events.
"The current centre is constrained both in size and functionality. Canberra is increasingly competing against cities with more modern venues and greater event capacity."
"For too long, Canberra has been missing out on opportunities to host major events that drive visitation, investment and economic activity. A contemporary convention and entertainment precinct will strengthen our competitiveness and support the city's long-term growth."
"This is exactly the type of productivity-enhancing infrastructure Canberra needs. Projects like this create jobs during construction, support business growth once operational, and will help build the vibrancy and activity needed in our CBD."
Ms Berry said the Property Council looked forward to engaging constructively throughout this initial process, encouraging both levels of government to maintain momentum.
"Canberra has been talking about a new convention centre for more than a decade. This announcement is encouraging, but the community and business sector will rightly be looking for a clear pathway from planning to construction."
"Every year we delay, Canberra risks losing conferences, major events and economic opportunities to competing cities. The business case should provide the certainty needed to move this project forward as quickly as possible."
