Expanded Cairns Convention Centre officially opens and looks to host multiple events and larger conferences

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.