Minister names companies short-listed for Perth convention centre contract

8/3/00
Multiplex and Nexus have been short-listed for the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre contract, Tourism Minister Norman Moore said today.
A third applicant, Leighton Contractors, has been placed in reserve.
Negotiators, reporting to the PCEC project team, will now begin discussions with Multiplex and Nexus to reach a deal that meets the State Government's objectives.
Mr Moore said Multiplex and Nexus had scored the highest against a set of criteria established by representatives from State Government agencies.
These included the WA Tourism Commission, Ministries for Planning, Culture and the Arts and Sport and Recreation, the Government Property Office, Contracts and Management Services, Premier's Office, Treasury and the Crown Solicitor's Office.
"The negotiation process will ensure that the best possible outcome is put before the Government," Mr Moore said.
All three consortia have presented proposals to build a convention and exhibition centre, plus performing arts space, a soccer-rugby stadium, and ancillary facilities.
"Details of the individual proposals will remain confidential during the selection process to protect the commercial interests of the applicants," the Minister said.
The Government's preferred provider and full details of the winning bid are expected to be announced within a few months.
Mr Moore said the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre was expected to create a significant number of jobs and create between $1.5 billion and $2.2 billion over 10 years in economic benefit to the State.
"This is why the Government is offering $100 million as well as Crown land as an incentive to build the PCEC and performing arts space," he said.
"An extra incentive of up to $10 million and Crown land is being offered to build a soccer-rugby stadium as part of the project."

Mr Moore said the convention centre development was set to generate business for hotels, restaurants and retailers in the city and regional areas.
"Research shows that two out of every three conference delegates and their partners who attend events in Perth undertake regional tours prior to, or immediately following their conferences," he said.
"In this context, not only will the new centre benefit the city of Perth, it will produce an estimated benefit to the regions of around $11 million a year."
The project was launched 18 months ago, with Expressions of Interest (EOI) being sought in December 1998. Seven EOI submissions were received and a short list of three applicants submitted detailed proposals in November 1999.
The three proposals have been assessed by a Commercial Evaluation Panel and a Design Evaluation Panel. The latter also received advice from a specialist Architectural Advisory Sub-Committee, which included local and national representatives.
The panels include community representatives, industry representatives and nominees of the Institutes of Architects and Planners.
Media contacts:
Caroline Lacy 9321 1444
WA Tourism Commission: Tamara Bowles 9220 1708