The Victorian State Government has announced a commitment for the expansion of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

A versatile exhibition space of 12,000 sqm will be integrated with both the existing 30,000 sqm Melbourne Exhibition Centre and the 5550+ Melbourne Convention Centre which opened in 2009.

The new flexible event space will have a range of environmental features in keeping with the MCEC’s commitment to green design. This will be reflected in the use of solar panels, a level of water harvesting and the provision of on demand natural light within the halls.

The expansion responds directly to a global demand for large scale exhibition and convention space requirements and business events.

MCEC’s chief executive Leigh Harry says: “This will position MCEC at the top of Australia’s list with almost 50 per cent more exhibition space than any other Australian venue.

Car parking within the precinct will also be improved with a multi-storey car park adjacent to the new exhibition space also announced today. This additional capacity will service the demands of both the MCEC and South Wharf’s retail and leisure precinct.

Development will commence in 2012 for completion in 2014.