Acting Premier the Hon. James Merlino MP and Minister for Tourism and Major Events, The Hon. John Eren MP announced the opening of MCEC’s new event space July 8.

The $205 million expansion results in a 25 percent increase in event space, adding 20,000 square metres, taking MCEC’s total size to 70,000 square metres.          

One highlight of the expansion is the Goldfields Theatre, a 9000 square metre multi-purpose event space with a retractable 1000 seat theatre. Other spaces include new exhibition halls, the Eureka meeting rooms, an outdoor terrace area, Sovereign Room banquet space and Goldfields Café and bar.

“We have delivered a world class facility that is functional, adaptable and aesthetically pleasing with a quality and sophistication that reflects Melbourne,” said MCEC chief executive, Peter King.

He added, “Customer experience was front of mind when planning the design – we wanted to ensure our facilities suited the needs of our customers, rather than constraining them to fit within our space”.

EEAA Chief Executive, Joyce DiMascio, says that the expansion will add further capacity and flexibility for both national and international clients.

“The increased event space is anticipated to attract more events to Australia and improve our business events competitiveness. Around the country State Governments are all being asked to consider the venue requirements for the business events sector in the future,” she added.

“This latest investment by the Victorian Government will help the exhibition and events industry enormously and demonstrates the State’s continued recognition of business events as a driver of the Victorian economy, “Joyce DiMascio said.