The world-class Cairns Convention Centre lifts the curtain on its new expansion, revealing a new standard for international and national conferences and events.
The Queensland Government has invested $176 million in the refurbishment and expansion of the Centre, making the venue a showcase for the state on the international stage.
Already an eco-tourism hotspot, Cairns is set to further capitalise on the lucrative international Business Events sector with a renewed facility that complements the region’s natural, pristine beauty.
A Facility Ready for the Future
The award-winning Centre, operated by ASM Global since 1996, will now be able to host multiple events simultaneously or accommodate larger conferences requiring flexible breakout spaces.
“The expansion will enhance Cairns’ standing as a world leader in hosting business events,” said Harvey Lister AM, ASM Global (Asia Pacific) Chairman and Chief Executive.
Expansion Features
The state-of-the-art expansion adds 10,500 sqm of additional space, including:
- An exhibition area with space for 30 booths
- A 450-seat Plenary lecture space, divisible into two
- Three large meeting rooms with flexible configurations
- The Trinity Room banquet space (500 capacity)
- A spacious pre-function lobby
- An outdoor terrace overlooking Trinity Inlet
- A large undercover Porte Cochere, planted with native tropical flora and usable as a function space
These new additions are designed to create memorable delegate experiences while integrating with the region’s natural environment.
Seamless Event Delivery
Clients can now take advantage of:
- The latest audio-visual technology
- Contemporary light-filled interiors
- New building systems to ensure seamless event delivery
“We are already receiving such positive reactions to the new spaces,” said Janet Hamilton, General Manager.
“The lush tropical entry, open spaces, and stunning Trinity Room with inlet views all showcase the best of Cairns.”
“We sit at the heart of one of the world’s most beautiful destinations and great care and consideration was taken to bringing the natural environment into the Centre’s spaces. From our lush tropical entry and open spaces with floor to ceiling windows, to our stunning Trinity banquet room and Terrace with views across the inlet, the Centre showcases Cairns’ natural assets.”
Cox Architecture Director Richard Coulson who led the design team (with local collaborators CA Architects) for the refurbishment and expansion of the Cairns Convention Centre said this project stands out amongst the rest of the world’s convention centres due to its mix of sophistication, modern technology, and relaxed ‘truly Cairns’ sensibility.
“The Centre is a very sophisticated building. The technology is quite remarkable. Yet it feels like a place of Cairns, which has a renowned, relaxed lifestyle,” Mr Coulson said.
“As we know, convention centres are often large but sometimes soulless places. This expansion has allowed a richness which is quite rare for these spaces. It is open, generous and flexible and yet intimate at the same time. And that’s what Tropical North Queensland is as a destination.”