Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
{{Short description|Convention centre in Perth, Western Australia}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}}
{{Use Australian English|date=August 2011}}
{{Infobox building
|name = {{wikidata |property |P1448}}
|image = Perth Convention Centre.jpg
|image_size =
|caption =
|mapframe-marker = embassy
|mapframe-marker-colour = #161A22
|mapframe-stroke-colour = #C60C30
|mapframe-zoom = 13
|coordinates = {{coord |region:AU-WA_type:landmark_dim:1500 |name={{wikidata |property |P1448 }} |display=inline,title |format=dms}}
|location = Mounts Bay Road,
Perth, Western Australia
|current_tenants = Wyllie Group
Brookfield
|start_date = 2001
|completion_date = 26 August 2004
|building_type = Convention centre
|architectural_style =
|antenna_spire =
|roof =
|top_floor =
|floor_count =
|elevator_count =
|cost =
|capacity = 2,500 {{small|(Riverside Theatre)}}
|floor_area = {{cvt|16,500|m2}}
|architect = Cox Architecture
|structural_engineer =
|main_contractor = Multiplex
|developer = Government of Western Australia
|owner =
|management = Spotless
|website = {{Official URL}}
|references = }}
The Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre is a privately owned convention centre in Perth, Western Australia.
Description
File:PerthConventionExhibitionCentre1 gobeirne.jpg
File:PerthConventionExhibitionCentre2 gobeirne.jpg
The centre has a floor space of {{convert|16000|m2|sqft|0}}{{clarify |date=May 2022 |reason=It says 16,500 in the infobox. Which one is it?}} and can cater for 5,000 delegates. It contains state-of-the-art technical facilities, six exhibition pavilions, a 2,500 seat tiered theatre,{{cite web|url=http://visitperthcity.com/location/perth-convention-and-exhibition-centre|title=Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre|year=2013|accessdate=21 January 2014|publisher=City of Perth|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202194056/http://visitperthcity.com/location/perth-convention-and-exhibition-centre|archive-date=2 February 2014|url-status=dead}} banquet/ballrooms and 23 meeting rooms.[http://www.citysearch.com.au/places/wa/perth/perth%20convention%20and%20exhibition%20centre Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre] at Citysearch Perth
History
File:PerthConventionExhibitionCentre3 gobeirne.jpg
File:PerthConventionExhibitionCentre4 gobeirne.jpg.|alt=]]
Premier Richard Court, announced in November 2000 that a contract had been signed with Multiplex after five months of negotiations. Construction was to commence in June 2001 with a late 2003 completion date.{{cite web|url=http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/pages/StatementDetails.aspx?listName=StatementsCourt&StatId=1752|title=Green light given to Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre and Perth Stadium|date=28 November 2000|accessdate=21 January 2014|publisher=Government of Western Australia|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140121092617/http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/pages/StatementDetails.aspx?listName=StatementsCourt&StatId=1752|archive-date=21 January 2014|url-status=dead}}
Built by Multiplex at a cost of $225 million{{cite web|url=http://www.brookfieldmultiplex.com/projects/australasia/wa/construction_and_development/tourism_and_leisure/completed/perth_convention_and_exhibition_centre/|title=Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre - WA, Australasia|year=2013|accessdate=21 January 2014|publisher=Multiplex|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202103935/http://www.brookfieldmultiplex.com/projects/australasia/wa/construction_and_development/tourism_and_leisure/completed/perth_convention_and_exhibition_centre/|archivedate=2 February 2014}} it was officially opened on 26 August 2004 by Premier Geoff Gallop. Its construction was extremely controversial, owing to an overblown budget and an unprepossessing external appearance. It has been described as a "Soviet-era mausoleum" and a "giant grey cockroach",[http://www.wabusinessnews.com.au/user?destination=node/41821 There's a white elephant in the room] – wabusinessnew.com.au. Retrieved 8 August 2011. as well as a white elephant whose financial viability has been questionable.[http://www.abc.net.au/news/2006-11-22/govt-receives-perth-convention-centre-report/1315386 Govt receives Perth convention centre report] ABC News Published 22 November 2006. Retrieved 8 August 2011. However, it made it possible for Perth to host the 2011 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM),[http://www.chogm2011.org/Meeting_Arrangements/Venue Venue] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111216213041/http://www.chogm2011.org/Meeting_Arrangements/Venue |date=16 December 2011 }} at CHOGM 2001, Perth. Accessed 20 January 2012. with heads of state and official delegates of more than 50 member countries.
The Wyllie Group have a 35-year lease on the centre until 2039.[http://www.wylliegroup.com/investments/property/perth-convention-exhibition-centre Perth Convention Exhibition Centre] Wyllie Group It is managed by Spotless,[http://www.spotless.com/about-us/case-studies/case-study/perth-convention-and-exhibition-centre Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre] Spotless Group who committed to spend $50 million over 22 years starting in 2016, ensuring Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre remains a major destination for national and international events and provides economic value for Perth and Western Australia.{{Cite web|url=http://www.pcec.com.au/docs/default-source/media/$50-million-22-years-for-pcec.pdf?sfvrsn=2|title=SPOTLESS COMMITS 22 YEARS AND $50 MILLION TO PERTH CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE|website=PCEC|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218175819/http://www.pcec.com.au/docs/default-source/media/$50-million-22-years-for-pcec.pdf?sfvrsn=2|archive-date=2017-02-18|url-status=dead}}
In 2016 the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre attracted more than 900,000 visitors, including 98,000 national and international delegates. However, a report released that same year by the Tourism Council of WA asserted that the Centre should be expanded with an additional {{convert|10000|m2|sqft|0}} of space in order to remain competitive. In 2019, it was found that the underground carpark was experiencing subsidence issues.{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-09-18/perth-convention-centre-car-park-sinking-as-subsidence-worsens/11524050|title=The Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre is sinking and it will cost more than $10 million to repair|date=18 September 2019|accessdate=16 January 2024}} In 2022, Brookfield purchased a 50 percent stake in the centre.{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessnews.com.au/article/Brookfield-to-buy-convention-centre|title=Brookfield to buy convention centre|date=8 June 2022|accessdate=16 January 2024}}
In January 2024, the WA State Government revealed plans by Wyllie Group and Brookfield to upgrade the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. The proposal includes expanding the centre's capacity as well as building a new waterfront area with direct access to the Swan River with three jetties and a floating performance stage, and a new pedestrian bridge connecting the centre to Elizabeth Quay. Wyllie Group hopes the upgrade will be completed by 2029.{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-01-16/perth-convention-and-exhibition-centre-pitch-for-revamp/103325390|title=WA Government touts Perth Convention Centre upgrade pitch, reshaping the city's waterfront|date=16 January 2024|accessdate=16 January 2024}}
Location
The centre is between Mounts Bay Road and the Mitchell Freeway off-ramp, with the Elizabeth Quay development adjacent to the east of the complex.
Operations
It is the only purpose-built convention centre in Western Australia and can cater for functions of up to 5,000 delegates. The project was aimed at attracting major conventions to Perth, with the state's tourism and hospitality industries in mind.
The centre has two public lifts, one travelling from the underground car park, through level one, concluding at level two; the other from level two to level three.
Events
- Sexpo
- Kingdomcity
- Channel Seven Perth Telethon (2005 to 2019)
- Madman Anime Festival
- Oz Comic Con
- Perth Home Show{{cite web|url=http://www.perthhomeshow.com.au/|title=HIA Perth Home Show|accessdate=9 February 2017|publisher=Exhibitions and Events Australia}}
- Perth Motor Show
- Skills West Expo
- Supanova Pop Culture Expo (since 2014)
- Wai-Con
- Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2011
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category inline}}
- {{Official website}}
{{Cinemas in Western Australia}}
Category:Buildings and structures in Perth, Western Australia
Category:Landmarks in Perth, Western Australia
Category:Convention centres in Australia
Category:Buildings and structures completed in 2004
Category:2004 establishments in Australia
Category:Event venues established in 2004