In pictures: MCEC unveils expanded space

The newly renovated Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre’s (MCEC) is now home to 25% more space and is Australia’s biggest events venue. The AU$205 mil (US$153 mil) expansion adds 20,000 sqm, increasing the venue’s total size to 70,000 sqm.

The expansion includes a new Goldfields Theatre – a 9,000-sqm multi-purpose event space with a retractable 1,000-seat theatre – new exhibition halls, Eureka meeting rooms, an outdoor terrace area, a Sovereign Room banquet space, and Goldfields Café and Bar.

“Customer experience was front of mind when planning the design – we wanted to ensure our facilities suited the needs of our customers, rather than constraining them to fit within our space,” said Peter King, MCEC chief executive.

“We have delivered a world class facility that is functional, adaptable and aesthetically pleasing with a quality and sophistication that reflects the attributes of Melbourne.”

The expansion is part of a larger South Wharf expansion project by Plenary Group and its partners that includes a new 347-room Novotel Melbourne South Wharf and a new 1,150-space multi-level car park – all fully connected and integrated with existing buildings.

The venue is expected to generate an additional 74,000 international visitors annually, resulting in an annual AU$167 mil (US$125 mil) boost to the Victorian economy. The inaugural Malaria World Congress last week was the first event held in the new space.