Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre expansion project gets underway

Set for completion in early 2018, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) expansion project is now underway.

Construction is currently taking place next to the Exhibition Centre and the Convention Centre, over the current DFO South Wharf car park.

The new building will grow MCEC’s total size to more than 70,000 metre², providing more space for celebrations, entertainment, exhibitions and events, for the growth of Melbourne and the precinct as a whole.

Speaking about the expansion, MCEC Director of Strategy and Innovation Michael Walsh stated “this project is not only about MCEC’s expansion ... it’s a collaboration with the Victorian State Government and our partners to develop and grow Melbourne’s business and tourist capabilities to the highest possible standard, bringing the vision of the South Wharf precinct as a vibrant events and entertainment destination to life.”

Included in our plan is infrastructure that will connect visitors and local traders with a new 331-room hotel and multi-deck car parking facilities, as well as the delivery of Australia’s largest convention and exhibition centre.

The Victorian Government provided $205 million for the expansion of MCEC, while leading infrastructure investor, developer and manager, Plenary Group and its partners are investing more than $100 million.

Plenary has appointed tier-one contractor Probuild, an expert in building in ‘live’ environments, to construct the MCEC expansion, new hotel and car park.

MCEC’s expansion is expected to generate an $167 million annual boost to the local economy, bringing an additional 74,000 international visitors to Melbourne each year. 

Image shows an artist's impression of the planned MCEC expansion.

30th May 2016 - MELBOURNE CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE TO BENEFIT FROM $205 MILLION EXPANSION

27th January 2016 - EEAA ANTICIPATES ‘EXCITING’ 2016

24th February 2015 - MCEC TO GET $3 MILLION TECHNOLOGY MAKEOVER

24th October 2014 - VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT AGREES TO MELBOURNE CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE EXPANSION