Perth, 16th October: The Western Australian (WA) government announced to allocated AR$16.6 million (US$11.1 million) to fund the Project Definition Phase (PDP) for the proposal, including plans to redevelop the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC).

The PDP proposal plans for expanded convention centre capacity to attract large-scale business events. It also envisions integrating the precinct with Elizabeth Quay and delivering a public realm featuring new waterfront facilities, an outdoor theatre, and improved connectivity with the Swan River.

Under the plan, PCEC will retain column-free exhibition space of 16,500 m2, and Riverside Theatre will be upgraded and expanded from 2,500 to 3,500 seats. The venue will be expanded to 24,000 m2, to include a new, four-storey wing with meeting rooms, ballrooms, a 100-seat plenary and a flexible multi-use hall. The redevelop construction is scheduled to begin in January 2025 and to reopen by late 2028.