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22 June 2009
The new Melbourne Convention Centre has a distinctly ‘
Melbourne
’ look and feel about it, blending effortlessly into the existing landscape like it has always been there.
The new centre has been seamlessly linked to the existing Melbourne Exhibition Centre to create the award-winning Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) – the largest and most versatile convention and exhibition centre in
Australia
.
Located in the heart of
Melbourne
city, the centre gently curves around the banks of the
Yarra
River
to create a riverside gateway to the city’s new
South
Wharf
precinct.
A stunning 18-metre tall glass façade fronts the river, offering breathtaking views of the
Melbourne
city skyline and beyond.
Skilfully designed to emulate some of the city’s famous landmarks and cultural wonders,
Melbourne
’s rich maritime heritage is also reflected in the specific design features of the centre.
The vibrant orange interior of the centre represents the colour of ships hulls and funnels, and acts as a beacon at night for rivers edge traffic.
The centre’s magnificent foyer accommodates 8400 guests for cocktails and features a subtle yet striking floor pattern with six different coloured tiles representing the tidal flow of the
Yarra
River
.
The large rose patterned carpet in the Grand Banquet Room on Level 2 represents
Melbourne
’s public gardens and the roses in full bloom during
Melbourne
’s famous annual Spring Racing Carnival. On certain walls on Level 1 an indigenous plant pattern symbolises the native flora of
Melbourne
, evoking the root systems of our bush and grasslands.
Five different seat fabric colours in the massive 5000-seat Plenary Hall emulate the blades of grass at the legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Officially opening for business today, the new Melbourne Convention Centre is a spectacular venue that will undoubtedly leave those who visit it feeling that they have truly experienced
Melbourne
, from its maritime history to its arts and culture and sporting ethos.
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