Centre’s sleek new look nod to nature
THE full scope of the $176 million transformation of the Cairns Convention Centre can now be revealed. Stunning images provide a window to what the city landmark’s extra 10,000sq m of meeting, banquet and exhibition space will look like when finished early 2022. The design and brand overhaul, including new logo, will be launched soon.
THE Cairns Convention Centre’s $176 million transformation project has been revealed in all its glory as construction crews move into place.
The Cairns Post can today finally unveil the full scope of the plan to deliver an extra 10,000sq m of meeting, banquet and exhibition space to the centre.
A stunning facade inspired by the Wet Tropics rainforest will provide an immediate reminder that something new and beautiful lies within.
Floor-to-ceiling glazed windows across three storeys will give passers-by a glimpse into the engine room of the Cairns business tourism sector, while tropical landscaping and cascading vines add to the rainforest atmosphere.
Flexibility from the expansion will soon allow the centre to host 500-delegate conferences or up to 2500 delegates at once when the entire centre is being used.
Meanwhile, the refurbished arena will be capable of hosting major events with up to 5000 people.
The design is about to be launched in an international and domestic marketing campaign expected to roll out over the coming 18 months.
It includes a brand overhaul, with a new logo incorporating elements of the rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef shining through sunbursts to give a sense of the centre’s tropical location.
Cairns Convention Centre general manager Janet Hamilton said the logo also featured a new tagline, “Passion is our Nature”, as a nod to both the environment and the spirit of the people of Cairns.
“The colour palette reflects the colours of the region that are seen as the sun shines through the rainforest and across the reef,” she said.
“Everyone you come across in Cairns has a strong passion for what they do.
“From the marine biologists who are working on the reef, to the local farmers growing amazing fresh produce to our own dedicated team at the Cairns Convention Centre, everyone wants every event planner, every delegate and every visiting family member to enjoy their Cairns experience.”
The renewed centre will be delivered in two stages. The refurbishment stage will be completed in February 2021 with events beginning in March.
The full expansion will finish in early 2022, with the Cairns Taipans shifting to a temporary court built at the former Bunning’s Warehouse centre in the interim.