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Following recent changes to departmental responsibilities, functions of the former Department of Housing and Public Works have been transferred to new departments. Work is underway to develop and update departments' websites.

About the Cairns Convention Centre upgrade

The Cairns Convention Centre is undergoing a $176 million expansion and refurbishment to:

  • maximise the centre’s capabilities
  • modernise the facilities
  • bring new business to the tropical north.

Known for its prime location, premium food offering and prestigious events, the new look Centre will have facilities to cater for multiple functions, helping the city to attract new conferences and events of even greater sizes and complexity.

The refurbishment works have been completed and the centre operator ASM Global held their first event on 12 May 2021.

The construction works on the expansion are in full swing and will deliver a bigger, better Cairns Convention Centre in 2022.

The upgraded Centre will support ongoing employment opportunities in hospitality, logistics, security, and maintenance.

The Centre has now resumed operations. For upcoming events please visit https://www.cairnsconvention.com.au/whats-on.

What’s changing

Built in two stages in 1996 and 2000, the distinctive convention centre was the second major Queensland project for Cox Architecture’s Brisbane studio (then Cox Rayner Architects) after the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The centre closed in April 2020 in preparation of the upgrade.

This refurbishment stage was completed in early May 2021 and it included:

  • the replacement of roof sheeting,
  • replacement of building services including air-conditioning and lighting,
  • the full refurbishment of all public spaces including amenities and
  • back of house spaces including kitchen and administration facilities.

The expansion stage already underway will deliver additional 10,500 square metres   that will include a large undercover, tropically planted drop-off and entry forecourt, an expanded main entry lobby, a 410-seat plenary lecture space, three 120-seat meeting rooms, exhibition space for up to 30 display booths, a 500 seat rooftop banquet space and sky terrace with spectacular views over Trinity Inlet.

The upgraded centre will have facilities to cater for multiple functions, helping the city to attract new conferences and events of even greater sizes and complexity.

See the design of the new centre.

Supporting Queensland locals

This $176 million investment in Cairns is expected to provide 570 full time jobs during construction.

The project is being carried out by Managing Contractor Lendlease in line with the Buy Queensland approach to ensure suppliers to government meet best practice principles.

Find out more about how the project is supporting Queenslanders.

Find out more

Email CairnsConventionCentre@hpw.qld.gov.au for more information about the project.

If you're a local sub-contractor or supplier and want to know more about the EOI process:

Last updated: 
5 July 2021