Seven Expression of Interest submissions for Perth Convention Centre

20/4/99
All seven applicants that submitted Expression of Interest (EOI) documents for the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre have been invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process.
Five of the seven applicants are consortia, while the other two are individual companies.
The seven (consortia names and their equity partners where applicable) are:

• Burswood Ltd;
• Convention WA - Macquarie Bank Ltd, Abigroup Ltd and Consolidated Constructions Pty Ltd;
• Kwobbrup -- Thiess Contractors Pty Ltd, Hocktief AG and Venue Creative Services Ltd;
• Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd;
• Lend Lease - Lend Lease Corporation Ltd, John Holland Group Pty Ltd and Delaware North (Australia) Pty Ltd;
• Multiplex -- Multiplex Constructions, Accor Asia Pacific Pty Ltd and Ogden IFC (Perth) Pty Ltd; and -
• Transfield-Grocon - Transfield Pty Ltd and Grocon International Pty Ltd.

Tourism Minister Norman Moore, who is chairman of the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre Taskforce, said he was delighted with the high standard of the seven applicants which submitted responses to the Expression of Interest document.
"All showed that they are very capable of undertaking the project," Mr Moore said.
"The task of reducing the number from seven to three will be extremely difficult.
"It is encouraging to see that major local, national and some international companies are keen to be involved in this project, which will bring major long-term economic benefits to Western Australia."
The applicants have been asked to make presentations to the taskforce on May 19 and 20 to support their EOI submissions.
After the presentations, a short list of three will be selected in July to prepare detailed proposals based on the State Government's requirements.
All seven will be advised of the outcome before the list of three is made public.
Applicants in the short list of three must submit their detailed proposals in November. After evaluation, the taskforce will begin negotiations with the two applicants which submit proposals of most benefit to WA.
A preferred provider is expected to be selected by April 2000 with the project likely to be completed in late 2002.
The Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre will create a very significant number of jobs.
Experience on comparable developments, such as the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, has shown that around 2,000 people are employed during the construction phase and that 600 full and part-time operational positions are created, many for young people.
According to a report by independent consultants, the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre is projected to inject $2.2 billion into the WA economy in its first 10 years.
The Expression of Interest document said that the State Government expected the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre to include at least:

• a 2,500-seat meeting area;
• a separate 2500-person banquet facility;
• 12 to 14 break-out rooms with a total capacity of 2,500 people;
• 20,000sq.m of exhibition space; and -
• a minimum of 600 car parking bays.

Media contacts: Hartley Joynt, Minster's office, 9321 1444
Roger Buddrige, Corporate Communications Manager,
Western Australian Tourism Commission, 9220 1716.