Fresh convention centre for Perth foreshore

The state’s peak tourism lobby has thrown its support behind a reimagined Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, details of which were revealed yesterday, on the proviso a major new theatre and dedicated exhibition space are included in the design.

Wyllie Group and Brookfield on Monday night revealed the centre, which has long attracted the nickname the cockroach due to its appearance from Kings Park, would be completely rebuilt.

That plan would link the centre to the waterfront where a new wharf, public space and floating theatre would be built.

Tourism Council WA chief executive Evan Hall said upgrading PCEC was long overdue and was the tourism industry’s top infrastructure priority.

“Perth has the oldest convention exhibition facility of any capital city in Australia, every other city has upgraded and expanded its facilities at least once if not twice since PCEC was opened," he said.

“Currently, Perth is losing out to second tier business event destinations such as Adelaide, Geelong and Darwin, that have invested in expanding their convention and exhibition centres.

“We have a world-class stadium, area, airport, casino and hotel offering, the missing piece is a world-class convention and exhibition centre, and new attractions and activities around the Perth CBD and Swan River.”

Mr Hall said integrating the precinct with Elizabeth Quay and Barrack Street Jetty would be integral to its success.

He also called for a theatre with a capacity of at least 4,500, and dedicated exhibition floorspace.

And the new centre must be serviceable for at least 30 years, well beyond the current facility, which has lasted just 20 years.

The state government and PCEC leaseholders Wyllie Group began background work to redo the centre in 2020.

Key improvements slated at the time included expanding the auditorium from 5,000 to 7,500 seats and use of Kimberley colours to soften its image.

It was hoped the new centre would open last year.

PCEC was built by Multiplex at a cost of $225 million.

It was ticked off by former premier Richard Court's government, which also signed off on the Bell Tower, in 2000, and opened by his successor, Geoff Gallop, in 2004.

Some road realignments would likely need to be undertaken to accommodate the new centre.