Wellington Businesses Looking Forward to New Convention Space

Wellington City Council’s decision today to proceed with a $179 million convention and exhibition centre across from Te Papa is great news for the city’s economy, says the Wellington Chamber of Commerce.

"This new proposal for the convention centre will give Wellington a fit-for-purpose venue that local businesses say the city really needs if it is to continue to grow," says Chief Executive John Milford.

"The Town Hall was closed in 2013 for earthquake repairs and is not due to reopen until 2021, and in its absence the city has struggled for large function venues.

"As a growing, modern city, we need key pieces of commercial infrastructure such as this convention and exhibition centre. If the city wants to grow its revenue it, in turn, has to support the growth of its local businesses and ratepayers and this is a great opportunity to do that.

"Design collaboration with event organisers means Wellington will get a better performing and more versatile space that will be highly competitive compared to facilities in other parts of the country.

"Its location will better link Te Papa with Courtenay Place, and is in an area that needs regeneration.

"We expect the convention and exhibition centre to have a halo effect on the surrounding area, helping spur the development of associated hotel, hospitality and retail outlets. These will all add to Wellington’s lively and hospitable reputation.

"The Chamber’s support for this project is based on the Council delivering key undertakings, including at least $25 million of capital funding from central government, a fully commercial exhibition space and a convention centre offering capable of competing in the New Zealand market for both domestic and international events."

ENDS

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