The Cairns Convention Centre is set to receive a $176 million upgrade to its premises.

Planned works include a revamp of the existing centre plus the addition of a new exhibition space and meeting rooms.

Funds were put aside for the upgrade in the recent state budget, with Queensland Treasurer Curtis Pitt predicting that the refurbishment could bring in an additional $30 million of economic benefit for the regional economy each year following the completion.

The Convention Centre’s general manager Ross Steele welcomed the fund boost, saying “the continued commitment by the State Government would allow the Cairns Convention Centre to grow in line with the aspirations of the city, with new hotels, new aquarium and continued strong investment in the city heart”.

“We look forward to progressing our plans for construction which is expected to commence following the Commonwealth Games basketball preliminaries which will be held at the centre in April 2018.”

The expansion is also predicted to bring in 20,000 extra visitors to Tropical North Queensland and create new jobs.