ASM Global proposes expansion of Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre into entertainment precinct

International venue management company ASM Global (Asia Pacific) is reported to be advocating for the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre to be doubled in size with the addition of a 12,000-seat indoor arena and a 2000-seat ballroom.

Reported by the Gold Coast Bulletin over the weekend, the expansion has been proposed by Harvey Lister, APAC Chairman and Chief Executive of ASM Global (Asia Pacific) who sees that the enlarged venue would attract the world’s biggest conventions and conferences along with major entertainers.

Lister and ASM Global, who are also backing the new 17,000-seat Brisbane Live venue and surrounding precinct, are reported to believe that the proposal would be funded on the same model as that being undertaken for the Brisbane project.

As quoted by the Gold Coast Bulletin, Lister said the site at Broadbeach is “by far the best site for such a venue (being) centrally located on the Gold Coast close to thousands of hotel rooms, restaurants and bars, Star Casino and Pacific Fair.”

The plan includes three dedicated exhibition halls comprising 7500 metre² of floor space, giving the arena about 11,300 metre² and, when further combined with the flat floor of the adjoining new arena, a total exhibition capability across the complex of 14,000 metre².

Speaking about the layout, Lister advised “the crowning glory for the new complex would be a spectacular rooftop level ‘grand ballroom’ enabling the hosting of major banquets, charity balls and televised awards events for up to 2000 people.”

The Gold Coast Bulletin also suggested the development might be a catalyst for new accommodation and retail developments across Broadbeach.  

Back in September 2019, when reports emerged of a plan for a major live entertainment to be built on the Gold Coast, entertainment and promotion businesses TEG and Live Nation expressed their support for a venue that could cater to big Australian and international acts.

The suggested project cost is in the region of $750 million.

Images: Renders for the Gold Coast Events Precinct. Credit: ASM Global.