Official opening for Docklands’ new neighbour

Docklands’ new neighbour, the Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre (MCEC), has already hosted a number of events, and has even received a few gongs, despite the fact that it won’t be officially opened until June 5 when the Premier, John Brumby, will be cutting the ribbon.

MCEC claims it is “the world’s first and one-and-only” 6 Star Green Star convention centre. According to the MCEC Chief Executive Leigh Harry, its environmental rating is based on a mix of initiatives to reduce overall energy usage and promote recycling.

“The ultimate aim is to make the lowest possible impact on the environment.  The MCEC has set an environmental benchmark for the industry, becoming the only convention and exhibition venue in Australia with both Green Globe and Waste Wise accreditation,” Mr Harry said.

“The MCEC has the first privately-funded black water treatment plant in a public building in Australia. The treatment plant receives ‘black’ water from the building’s sewer systems and rainwater collected from the roof. After being treated, the water can be used for toilet flushing, cooling towers and watering the parks and gardens.”

The system gives the MCEC a 20 per cent reduction of water saving inside the centre, and a 100 per cent saving outside the building.

Despite opening it’s doors at a time of economic uncertainty, Mr Harry is upbeat.

“We have a significant number of international and national conventions booked from post-opening on for the next four years. There is no doubt that there will be some challenges in relation to delegate numbers over the next 12 months. We are focussing our efforts on how we can best assist event organisers in this area … There is no evidence to date of major changes in the booking patterns for international and national conventions which is the primary business areas of most convention centres.”

Currently the MCEC has won 49 major international conventions, which will bring 100,800 delegates to Melbourne between 2009 and 2014, which Mr Harry says “will inject hundreds of millions of dollars into the Victorian economy.” 

“The MCEC represents world leadership in best practice, innovation and sustainability and is raising standards to new heights in technology and imaginative food and wine options,” Mr Harry said.