The new Melbourne Convention Centre will be fully integrated with the Melbourne Exhibition Centre to become the largest combined facility of its kind in Australia.
Accredited with the first 6 Star Green Star environmental rating in the world for a convention centre, it will offer visitors a mix of natural light and fresh air while using a range of power saving initiatives.
In another design first, it will be possible to divide the 5,000-seat plenary hall into three self-contained halls while ensuring a clear view to the stage for all members of the audience.
As infrastructure for the business events industry, the convention centre will increase economic activity and jobs in the state of Victoria.
The Victorian Government has committed $370m toward construction of the new centre, being developed through the Partnerships Victoria model. The Project Agreement is available to the public at www.contracts.vic.gov.au
The new centre is due to open for business in 2009.