AUSTRALIA - The Adelaide Convention Centre’s AU$350m (US$375m) expansion plans are expected to generate a further $1.92bn in economic impact for the South Australia State over the next 25 years.
The redevelopment programme announced by South Australian Tourism Minister, John Rau will be delivered in two stages. The first stage expanding the existing facility westwards over the railway lines to link with Morphett Street bridge will start in September this year for completion in time to host the World Aquaculture Conference in May, 2014. See below for an artist’s impression of the redevelopment.
Stage Two will replace the existing Plenary Building with a multi-purpose facility with plenary capacity of up to 3,500 delegates and is scheduled for completion in June, 2017.
Adelaide Convention Centre's Chief Executive Alec Gilbert said the State Government’s investment recognised the vital importance of the Adelaide Convention Centre as a major catalyst for tourism and economic growth in South Australia.
“Expansion and redevelopment of the centre will re-establish Adelaide as one of the premier conference destinations and ensure its continued competitiveness innational and international markets,” Gilbert said. “Over the past two decades, the centre has generated around $960m in direct economic benefits to the State from delegate spend and associated tourism.
Key features on the redevelopment:
· A built form shape, roof structures and facade inspired by the South Australian landscape, particularly the layers, striations and colours of the cliffs, rock formations and escarpments of the Flinders Ranges
· Three distinct buildings which also flow internally to host one single major event or three separate events concurrently
· The Stage One extension includes an additional 4,300sqm of multipurpose convention floor space, associated pre-function spaces, multiple meeting spaces and 1000-seat ballroom built on a ‘bridge-like’ structure over the railway tracks up to Morphett Street Bridge
· Demolition of the existing plenary building constructed in the 1980s and its replacement with a more functional facility as Stage Two of the redevelopment including plenary capacity of up to 3,500 delagtes or 3000sqm of flat floor space. This venue can be subdivided and configured within minutes as pre-function space, ballroom, exhibition or plenary space
· A new alternative main entry including pedestrian and vehicle drop off from Morphett Street Bridge
· A new urban boulevard (Montefiore Road) linking North Terrace to the Riverbank Promenade
· A new main loading dock accessed from North Terrace.
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