Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre's $140M expansion officially opens

Arts Minister Rachel Nolan today opened Australia's newest convention destination - the five level $140 million expansion of the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) on Grey Street.

The Minister opened the boutique expansion during the annual Australia Day celebrations at the Centre, exactly 12 months after the Centre reopened for business following the devastating January floods.

Ms Nolan said the opening of the newly expanded venue was further confirmation of Brisbane's spirited determination to recover and rebuild.

"Just 12 months after this site was subject to the worst flooding in Brisbane's living memory, we are celebrating an addition to the South Bank stable that is truly magnificent," Ms Nolan said.

"It's hard to imagine the car park held the equivalent of 16 Olympic swimming pools of water."

Ms Nolan said based on enquiries the new 25,000 square metre centre is looking to host at least 300 more events on top of the 1,000 already hosted annually, possibly generating over $70M for the economy and will deliver employment for 100 additional full time staff.

The expansion of the Centre's facilities includes a total of 44 meeting rooms, including three stand alone tiered auditoria and some of Brisbane's most outstanding function venues.

The centre has been designed to meet an increasing market demand for smaller and medium-sized events providing unprecedented flexibility to host events from 8 to 8,000 guests.

BCEC recorded a profit every year since opening in 1995 and last year recorded its highest ever revenue delivering an economic benefit to Queensland of $217M.

BCEC General Manager, Bob O'Keeffe said the Centre would build on its previous record of achievement.

"The addition of Grey Street to the Centre's existing resources generates a robust dynamic into the ultra competitive global market mix. The boutique nature of Grey Street is proving attractive to international and national meeting planners, with bookings exceeding targets."

Harvey Lister, Chairman and CEO of AEG Ogden, BCEC operators, said the launch would consolidate and provide a stimulus for Queensland's business events industry.

"I have every confidence that this will strengthen both the Centre's and Brisbane's leadership position in a very competitive marketplace resulting in new business development opportunities."

Finance, Natural Resources and The Arts
The Honourable Rachel Nolan
25/01/2012
Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre's $140M expansion officially opens

Permanent Link: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre's $140M expansion officially opens
Publish Date: 25 Jan 12

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