The WA government recently begun negotiations to redevelop the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC), with the unveiling of plans for an iconic waterfront district.
The proposed redevelopment is set to transform Perth’s waterfront and create a long-term economic boost for Western Australia, unlocking a new pipeline of construction jobs for the future and creating new local jobs across a diverse range of industries.
PCEC was built in 2004 with a lease held by Wyllie and Brookfield until 2039. Wyllie and Brookfield, while working with the state government, have identified an opportunity to redevelop the precinct.
WA Premier Roger Cook said: “There is huge potential on our riverfront, and this proposal would deliver an iconic new precinct that opens up major tourism and hospitality opportunities for WA, helping to diversify our economy and create local jobs.
“The Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre is the oldest and smallest major convention centre in Australia. My government wants to see the precinct redeveloped to attract lucrative business events, while creating a place of pride on the river for all Western Australians.”
A concept proposal has been submitted by Wyllie and Brookfield, and the state government is now formally evaluating the proposal for the future of the PCEC.
The proposal would create an iconic waterfront precinct on the Swan River, with a world-class and highly competitive convention space to attract major business events to WA.
It would deliver a new tourism and hospitality hub for Perth which includes improving connectivity to Elizabeth Quay, showcasing the Swan River and Kings Park, and delivering a new public realm including an outdoor theatre on the Swan, as well as new public waterfront facilities and new food and beverage venues.
WA Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti said: “A redeveloped Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre will be particularly important in attracting major business events to our city, which would be huge for our local economy in bringing more visitors and to help underpin further tourism investment in this state.”
The existing Convention Centre building would be significantly refurbished to increase capacity and capability to attract new major business events, while development opportunities would be provided for a new premium hotel, residential apartments across the affordability and accessibility spectrum, and commercial and innovation space.
Early estimates, based on an independent economic study, indicate the redevelopment would provide billions of dollars in economic benefit to the state, driving significant tourism and hospitality activity for WA.
A business case for the redevelopment will now be finalised and presented to the state government for evaluation in mid-2024.
