Announced by Western Australian Premier Roger Cook at the World Travel & Tourism Council’s 24th Global Summit in Perth – attended by Spice – funding for the project will encompass redevelopment of the Perth waterfront precinct connected to the PCEC site.

The state government will undergo “project definition phase” planning which includes the PCEC redevelopment, waterfront precinct revamp, and a new tourism and economic hub for Perth, showcasing Kings Park and providing new housing, commercial and hospitality venues.

PCEC was built in 2004 and is the oldest convention centre in Australia not to undergo a major redevelopment.

It is leased by the joint venture of Wyllie Group and Brookfield Properties until 2039.

A redevelopment concept proposal has been considered by the government, with further work now required through the project definition phase to ensure it is properly scoped and costed before agreements are reached.

“Our goal is to make the most of this stunning location,” says Premier Cook. “We have the opportunity to create a new tourism and economic hub for Perth.

“The redevelopment can showcase Kings Park and Swan River while providing new waterfront facilities, housing, tourism and hospitality venues, plus thousands of new jobs.

“Attracting events, fostering innovation and boosting tourism is a key part of our vision to diversify the economy for Western Australia’s future.”

The new PCEC and waterfront precinct will not only deliver a new tourism and hospitality hub for Perth that will help attract major business events to Western Australia, it will improve connectivity to Elizabeth Quay and provide a new public realm, including an outdoor theatre on Swan River.

The existing convention centre building will be refurbished to increase capacity and house a new premium hotel, residential apartments across the affordability and accessibility spectrum, and commercial and innovation space.

“Our beautiful waterfront has so much potential, and this exciting proposal certainly presents an opportunity to cement our city’s status as a world-class destination to visit and do business,” says Western Australian Minister for Tourism Rita Saffioti.

“A redeveloped Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre will no doubt boost our efforts to continue growing tourist numbers, generating millions in visitor spend and diversifying our economy.

“Business tourism is very lucrative, and we’re keen to capitalise on the fact they generally spend up to five times more than the average tourist, by attracting more business events to Perth with a state-of-the-art convention centre.”