The proposal for the 3,500-seat New Zealand International Convention Centre was selected as the best option following the submission of expressions of interest. Consents are not yet in place as the design is still to be agreed formally but SkyCity’s aim is for the centre to be opened in January 2015. It is expected that 1,000 people will be employed during the construction.
SkyCity has said that is prepared and able to fund the full NZ$350m development costs. “This is subject to reaching a satisfactory outcome from the discussions with government, to ensure SkyCity achieves an overall acceptable return on this substantial investment,” said SkyCity chief executive Nigel Morrison.
New Zealand’s prime minister John Key said: “An international-sized convention centre is essential for New Zealand to tap into the growing market of high value business visitors that we are currently missing out on. The tourism industry and business sector have been calling for an international-sized centre for years. Now, with SkyCity, we have the opportunity to build one that will encourage more visitors to come to New Zealand and give a valuable boost to our economy.”
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