AusLeisure

The new-look Cairns Convention Centre officially opened today following a $176 million, 10,500 square metre expansion. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk joined Cairns MP Michael Healy to officially open the Centre which now looks to host larger conferences and multiple events.

The Centre now boasts facilities over four-levels, including a 410-seat function room, three 120-seat meeting rooms and exhibition space for 30 booths – perfect for showcases and roadshows.

Showcasing the picturesque view of the region, including Trinity Inlet, the new 500-seat Trinity Room and Trinity Terrace, pre-function facilities and operational spaces allow for concurrent conventions within the centre.

The Centre, which has been operated by ASM Global since it opened in 1996, and twice named winner of the World’s Best Congress Centre (2004 and 2014), will now be able to host multiple events at once or larger conferences requiring multiple break out spaces.

ASM Global (Asia Pacific) Chairman and Chief Executive, Harvey Lister AM, welcomed the handover of the expansion to the team to start delivering world-class events in state-of-the-art new spaces.

Lister noted “the expansion will enhance Cairns’ standing as a world leader in hosting business events. Cairns Convention Centre is on track to host 160 events this financial year, including 60 conferences bringing more than 35,000 delegates to Cairns, delivering a visitor spend of over $100 million into the region.”

QLD Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk shared “the new-look Cairns Convention Centre is a fitting addition to Queensland’s Far North tourism mecca, which will undoubtedly attract world-class events to the region.

“The people of Cairns deserve this facility and can be proud of what has been achieved together. Already, a number of events have been confirmed including our very own Destination Q and Queensland Tourism Awards in November.

“Our government is proud to have supported this project which will help the region to thrive towards a brighter future.”

Healy added “I look forward to welcoming major events to the region, which will bring good news for our visitor economy, small businesses and tourism operators alike.”

Managing contractor Lendlease persevered through the COVID pandemic, cyclones and supply chain and labour pressures to complete the project.

David Paterson, Managing Director of Lendlease’s Construction business Australia advised “today marks the successful completion of this world-class Convention Centre for Far North Queensland.

“This state-of-the art facility stands as a testament to the commitment and collaboration between our project team, subcontractors, ASM Global and Queensland Government.”

Fast facts:

• The expansion component has approximately 10,500 square metres of new floor area (including the Porte Cochere).
• Over 300 structural piles providing a strong foundation for the expansion.
• Approximately 40,000 individual tiles will be laid across the expansion.
• Approximately 4,000 square metres of carpet and vinyl across the expansion.
• 1198 GRC sunblades shade the façade, in four different colours and five different orientations.
• Steel ribbon length of the façade screen: 565 metres.
• 1.43km of vertical support members holding up the GRC sunblades.
• 200 square metres of concrete relief wall in the porte cochere.
• 1,500 square meter of façade glazing.
• Biggest steel beam is 1metre tall and spans 24metres.

Related Articles

10th May 2023 - Cairns Convention Centre announces new Executive Chef

4th November 2022 - Cairns Convention Centre to be showcased during Tourism Week in 2023  

20th April 2022 - Cairns Convention Centre hosts numerous business events boosting local economy

6th May 2021 - Refurbished Cairns Convention Centre to reopen with impressive events calendar

3rd March 2021 - Vania Bau to lead event team upon Cairns Convention Centre’s reopening

16th July 2020 - Cairns Convention Centre expansion project shares design highlights

13th June 2020 - Cairns Convention Centre redevelopment completion delayed by three months

9th August 2019 - Harvey Lister: Cairns Convention Centre expansion great news for north Queensland

8th August 2019 - Queensland Government confirms $176 million Cairns Convention Centre expansion

20th February 2019 - New manager appointed at Cairns Convention Centre

23rd January 2019 - Cairns Convention Centre Generates $80 million in spending in 2018

17th June 2018 - Expansion agreed for Cairns Convention Centre

17th July 2017 - Expansion concept revealed for Cairns Convention Centre

19th June 2017 - Cairns Convention Centre to get $176 million for expansion and upgrade

15th June 2017 - Cairns Convention Centre’s digital displays to benefit organisers

7th November 2016 - Cairns Convention Centre shares a slice of history

12th September 2016 - 20 year celebrations for Cairns Convention Centre

25th February 2016 - Cairns Convention Centre to get $13 million upgrade

9th March 2015 - Cairns Convention Centre adds $91 million into FNQ economy

5th July 2014 - Cairns Convention Centre voted world’s best

20th June 2014 - History making month at Cairns Convention Centre

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.