Why we need to expand the convention centre now as tourism leaders meet with State Government

‘IT’S CRITICAL’: There is mounting pressure from tourism and council leaders to upgrade the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition so business won’t be lost.

THE State Government is under pressure from tourism and council leaders to move quickly to upgrade the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.

A special budget session at council yesterday was told any further delays would lead to a blow out in costs and more turned away business.

CRAMPED CONDITIONS AT CONVENTION CENTRE

As tourism leaders presented their budget requests in the chamber, several councillors asked about ongoing negotiations to start the third stage of the Broadbeach convention centre.

The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre — there is room on the site to expand by 30 per cent.

After councillors William Owen-Jones asked about the progress of talks and Glenn Tozer questioned what was the major obstacle stopping the upgrade, Mayor Tom Tate agreed to lobby behind the scenes for the government funding.

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The centre, owned by the State Government and managed by The Star Entertainment Group, opened in 2004 and was last extended in 2008.

Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre general manager Adrienne Readings told the council it would cost $85 million for stage three, which would increase the size of the venue by 30 per cent.

The expansion would create a 1500sq m convention hall and areas which could provide the opportunity to host smaller meetings.

Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre general manager Adrienne Readings discussed the future upgrade with councillors at a special budget meeting.

A meeting would be staged on June 8 where senior bureaucrats and representatives from the office of Public Works Minister Mick de Brenni would discuss conceptual plans.

“Various designs are being worked on by an architect at the moment,” Ms Readings told councillors.

When asked by the Bulletin about a time line for the project outside the meeting, Ms Readings remained confident that construction of the third stage would occur “in the next few years”.

Comic-Con is held at the Centre too. Picture Mike Batterham

The Centre has held events likle the Lego Exhibition with huge creations. Oscar Churchill (17) with one of the works on show. Photo by Richard Gosling

Asked how important the expansion was for Coast tourism, she replied: “It really depends on the government decision. It’s critical. We would get national and international (visitors) for the Gold Coast.

“We are losing business because they’re outgrowing us. We have to retain those businesses we’ve worked hard to attract.”

But Ms Readings declined to quantify the losses. “I do (know the amount) but that’s confidential,” she said.

Mayor Tom Tate said he would urge the government to move forward with the project.

Mayor Tom Tate will appeal to the Government to undertake the upgrade. Picture Glenn Hampson

“I think the timing is right to increase our convention centre a further 30 per cent. When you look at the demand and supply, I would say it’s a good investment for our city,” he said.

Councillor Tate said convention delegates were big spenders, renowned for eating at restaurants and playing golf during the Coast visits.

“I would appeal to the State Government, look at the long-term investment. They will get that back in spades through tourism expenditure and the like.”

Councillors were briefed by Destination Gold Coast tourism leaders on potential game changer marketing plans to avoid a Commonwealth Games economic hangover.

The tourism body has sought $1 million in funding which would be matched by theme parks and the State Government for a $3 million campaign to attract overnight visitors and the drive sector.

Another request was for $500,000 to help a marketing push to raise the profile interstate of the city’s new $37 million cultural precinct.