Kings Park will host the key forum of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in October.
Premier Colin Barnett joined Prime Minister Julia Gillard in Kings Park for the announcement.
Mr Barnett said the Fraser's complex in Kings Park would be expanded to accommodate the Leaders' Retreat.
"The Leaders' Retreat is the centrepiece of CHOGM as it's in this location that the bulk of discussions between the 53 heads of Government take place," the Premier said.
"The retreat is chaired by the leader of the host nation and provides leaders with the opportunity for frank or informal discussions.
"The leaders of the United Kingdom, India, South Africa, Pakistan, Singapore, Malaysia and Canada will be among those invited to come to Perth.
"The Western Australian Government has been working closely with the Federal Government's CHOGM 2011 Taskforce to identify a venue that offers a retreat atmosphere and truly showcases Perth and Western Australia."
The retreat venue must satisfy a strict set of criteria, in particular space requirements, and proximity to accommodation and the main meeting venue at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre.
"This expansion of Government-owned facilities in Kings Park will create a lasting legacy of this historic event and will become a long-term asset for the community of Perth and the people of Western Australia," Mr Barnett said.
A new outdoor seating area would also be built in front of the adjacent Botanical Cafe, providing affordable alfresco dining and BYO service in a relaxed setting with one of the most stunning outlooks in Perth.
In addition, the historic Kings Park floral clock would be updated and relocated closer to the State's botanic garden.
The expansion of the facility for the Leaders' Retreat would involve replacing the temporary marquee, which had been sitting on top of the complex for the last 10 years, with a permanent high-quality facility able to host big receptions and dinners suitable for government, corporate and community events, including weddings.
"With leaders from more than 50 nations visiting Perth, including some of our major trading partners, it is important we offer them a truly memorable meeting experience," the Premier said.
Architect McDonald Jones is designing the expansion project at Fraser's. Perkins (WA) Pty Ltd was awarded the tender for construction.
The facility will be built well in advance of the October meeting and the budget for all the Kings Park works is expected to be less than $9million.
Once completed, the new premises will cater for up to 750 people at a cocktail function and more than 500 seated for a meal.
Mr Barnett also announced today public transport would be free for all travellers on the Transperth network on Friday, October 28, 2011 to enable interested people to participate in celebrations.
The State Government was planning a number of artistic, cultural and sporting events to coincide with CHOGM 2011, which would be the biggest international event to be held in Perth for many years.
The Premier announced previously the date of the Queen's Birthday Holiday would move from October 3 to October 28 to minimise any potential disruption caused by hosting CHOGM 2011.
"There will be a number of activities happening in the Perth CBD on this day, in particular the Perth Cultural Centre, in which the public can get involved, and shopping malls in the Perth CBD will be open for people to enjoy public holiday trading," he said.
"We hope the community will take up this opportunity to participate in a celebration of the Commonwealth because CHOGM is about much more than simply a meeting of leaders."
CHOGM 2011 will be held from October 28 - 30, 2011. It will attract more than 4,000 people to Western Australia, resulting in an estimated direct economic impact of $42.5million additional expenditure in the State from visitor spending and spending by the Federal Government on venues, accommodation, security, dinners and receptions.
For more information visit the CHOGM 2011 website: http://www.chogm2011.org
Premier's office - 9222 9475
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