The $176 million newly expanded Cairns Convention Centre is now open and set to host conferences and events.
Estimated to boost tourism, travel and trade within Queensland, the new expansion is predicted to increase support for the region’s economy by $100 million annually.
The 10,500 square metre major refurbishment now features facilities over four levels, including a 410-seat function room, three 120-seat meeting rooms and an exhibition space.
Showcasing the picturesque view of the region, including Trinity Inlet, the new 500-seat Trinity Room and Trinity Terrace, pre-function facilities and operational spaces allow for concurrent conventions within the centre. More than 1000 local workers were inducted on to the site during the works.
Cairns MP Michael Healy stated that the expanded Cairns Convention Centre boosted the skills of the local construction industry and created 570 jobs in the region. The bigger and better convention centre is expected to bring more than 35,000 delegates to Cairns every year.
The Centre, which has been operated by ASM Global since it opened in 1996, and twice named winner of the World’s Best Congress Centre (2004 and 2014), will now be able to host multiple events at once or larger conferences requiring multiple break out spaces.
ASM Global (Asia Pacific) Chairman and Chief Executive Harvey Lister AM welcomed the handover of the expansion to the team to start delivering world-class events in state-of-the-art new spaces.
Lister said the centre’s expansion and refurbishment would deliver significant economic benefits to the Cairns economy over the next decade and beyond.
“The expansion will enhance Cairns’ standing as a world leader in hosting business events. Cairns Convention Centre is on track to host 160 events this financial year, including 60 conferences bringing more than 35,000 delegates to Cairns, delivering a visitor spend of over $100 million into the region,” said Lister.
Managing contractor Lendlease persevered through the COVID pandemic, cyclones and supply chain and labour pressures to complete the project.
Lendlease Construction Business Australia Managing Director David Paterson said the facility currently stands as a testament to the commitment and collaboration between the company’s project team, subcontractors, ASM Global and the state government.