The project is a key commitment of the Australian Government’s $80 million Albury Wodonga Regional Projects (AWRP) initiative.
The redevelopment is receiving $10 million from the Australian Government, $15 million from the New South Wales Government and $6.55 million from the Albury City Council.
After a thorough evaluation process, AlburyCity has chosen Peddle Thorp Melbourne Pty Ltd to bring the design vision of an iconic and inspiring venue to life through the Australian Government’s Albury Wodonga Regional Projects program.
Peddle Thorp Melbourne is a large multinational consultancy practice with offices in numerous cities across Australia and a portfolio boasting several high-profile international projects, together with extensive experience designing major convention centres.
Peddle Thorp will be responsible for further developing the original preliminary design for the AEC, informed by a wide range of community engagement, to complete the detailed design of the redevelopment project. In doing so, the company will work in partnership with landscape architecture firm TCL, which is designing Albury’s Cultural Precinct Masterplan based around QEII Square.
Albury Mayor Kylie King said the awarding of the design tender was a cause for celebration as a crucial part of a transformative project for the city’s Cultural Precinct.
The design work is expected to take around 10 months to complete.
It is just one of eight projects funded through the AWRP initiative, with the Australian Government also investing:
- $22 million towards a nation-leading Heavy Vehicle Training and Experiment Precinct
- $20 million towards infrastructure that supports better health outcomes
- $15 million towards housing and accommodation for essential workers, including health workers
- $5 million for the Albury Airport Western precinct expansion
- $5 million towards the Gateway Island and the Murray River Experience
- $1 million to support a First Nations priority project
- $2 million for advanced manufacturing to accelerate the region’s economic development.
Quotes attributable to Senator for NSW, Deb O’Neill:
“The Albanese Labor Government wants all Australians, no matter where they live, to have access to high-quality facilities for both recreation and competitive opportunities, which is why we’re investing $10 million towards this project for Albury.
“As works progress, people across the Albury-Wodonga region are a step closer to enjoying the Entertainment Centre Convention Wing and to hosting a range of community events in modern shared spaces.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Regional New South Wales, Tara Moriarty MLC:
“The redevelopment of the Albury Entertainment Centre Convention Wing is about making the existing facility bigger, better and more functional as a venue for large-scale corporate and cultural events.
“With the lead Detailed Designer now appointed, consideration will be given to how the expansion of the Convention Wing will be constructed within the existing Albury Entertainment Centre footprint and is another step in delivering Albury’s Cultural Precinct masterplan.
“This project will help strengthen Albury’s economy by establishing the city as a preferred host of business and tourism conventions and supports the staging of major traveling shows.”
Quotes attributable to Albury City Mayor, Cr Kylie King:
“The awarding of the design tender is a cause for celebration as a crucial part of a transformative project for the city’s Cultural Precinct.
“This marks an exciting step forward in the revitalisation of Albury’s entertainment landscape and the provision of enhanced facilities for our local and regional community to enjoy.
“The redeveloped AEC will not only elevate our cultural offerings but also provide a vibrant hub for residents and visitors alike.
“These investments underscore the commitment of each government to fostering the cultural enrichment and economic growth in our region.
“Our focus will now be on collaborating closely with Peddle Thorp Melbourne to refine the design and lay the groundwork for the construction tender process.”