The original DCM building (Jeff's Shed) has its strength in its sweeping, standalone design. As you drive on the West Gate, you can see the "cross section" where the "wing" ends. To attach something to it would be a mistake IMHO. That's the problem with the DCM extension proposal - it compromises the integrity of the original structure. I'd prefer underground access to a new, complementary MECC. Perhaps another low rise "blade"-like structure sweeping along the Yarra?
PROJECT: Melbourne Convention Centre
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Interesting to see demolition has started on the old mazda site.
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Lend Lease and Multiplex, how predictable was that 
Go for the Ritzy Flower Drum !
Convention centre plan up in the air
Email Print Normal font Large font By Royce Millar
January 31, 2006
Advertisement
AdvertisementA $1.1 BILLION "mini-city" including a five-star hotel, offices, apartments and shops is one of two "chalk and cheese" schemes before the State Government, which is struggling with a decision on its next major project — the convention centre at Southbank.
Well-placed sources say the Government is finding it hard to choose between two vastly different bids for the 5000-seat centre. Sources close to the bidding say the Government, which has committed $370 million to the project, is nervous after problems with the Spencer Street Station revamp and other public-private partnerships.
The alternative bid is a $500 million to $600 million bare-bones scheme that includes the centre and a hotel. It was so modest, said one source, that the Government asked the proponents, including Melbourne architect Daryl Jackson, to submit a more "ritzy" and "landmark" design.
Sources have confirmed confidential details by the two remaining consortiums:
■Builder Multiplex and financier Plenary Group bid: Goes well beyond the Government's brief and features five large buildings including the convention centre, a $100 million Hilton Hotel, two state-of-the-art German-style retail centres and an office-and-apartment tower.
■Builder Bovis Lend Lease and finance group Babcock & Brown: A more minimal approach that sticks to the Government brief and focuses on the convention centre itself and associated hotel.
A source close to the Multiplex project has likened the Government's choice to a contest between the Flower Drum restaurant and McDonald's. Another source close to the Lend Lease team warned of the "smoke and mirrors" in the Opposition's "Disneyland" scheme.
Bureaucrats are believed to be undecided about the two approaches, referring the project to cabinet ministers.
Major Projects Minister John Lenders is believed to favour the simpler option while Tourism Minister John Pandazopoulos apparently sees the bigger project as a potential international drawcard and money spinner. A decision was due late last year and is now expected next month.
While not backing a particular bid, the Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry yesterday called for a bold decision.
Chamber president Richard Holyman said all big Australian and Asian cities had convention facilities and Melbourne needed a spectacular centre to set it apart. But he cautioned against elaborate frills and infrastructure that might not be realistic in the current property market.
Opposition major projects spokeswoman Louise Asher last night said the Kennett government had planned to start building the centre in 2000. The Bracks Government is aiming for a 2009 opening date.
She said the Government's failure to get the centre built was damaging the economy, because Melbourne was falling behind as a convention destination.
Mr Lenders' spokeswoman, Manika Naidoo, said the tender was not yet finalised and so no comment could be made. A decision would be made soon.
Convention centre plan up in the air
Email Print Normal font Large font By Royce Millar
January 31, 2006
Advertisement
AdvertisementA $1.1 BILLION "mini-city" including a five-star hotel, offices, apartments and shops is one of two "chalk and cheese" schemes before the State Government, which is struggling with a decision on its next major project — the convention centre at Southbank.
Well-placed sources say the Government is finding it hard to choose between two vastly different bids for the 5000-seat centre. Sources close to the bidding say the Government, which has committed $370 million to the project, is nervous after problems with the Spencer Street Station revamp and other public-private partnerships.
The alternative bid is a $500 million to $600 million bare-bones scheme that includes the centre and a hotel. It was so modest, said one source, that the Government asked the proponents, including Melbourne architect Daryl Jackson, to submit a more "ritzy" and "landmark" design.
Sources have confirmed confidential details by the two remaining consortiums:
■Builder Multiplex and financier Plenary Group bid: Goes well beyond the Government's brief and features five large buildings including the convention centre, a $100 million Hilton Hotel, two state-of-the-art German-style retail centres and an office-and-apartment tower.
■Builder Bovis Lend Lease and finance group Babcock & Brown: A more minimal approach that sticks to the Government brief and focuses on the convention centre itself and associated hotel.
A source close to the Multiplex project has likened the Government's choice to a contest between the Flower Drum restaurant and McDonald's. Another source close to the Lend Lease team warned of the "smoke and mirrors" in the Opposition's "Disneyland" scheme.
Bureaucrats are believed to be undecided about the two approaches, referring the project to cabinet ministers.
Major Projects Minister John Lenders is believed to favour the simpler option while Tourism Minister John Pandazopoulos apparently sees the bigger project as a potential international drawcard and money spinner. A decision was due late last year and is now expected next month.
While not backing a particular bid, the Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry yesterday called for a bold decision.
Chamber president Richard Holyman said all big Australian and Asian cities had convention facilities and Melbourne needed a spectacular centre to set it apart. But he cautioned against elaborate frills and infrastructure that might not be realistic in the current property market.
Opposition major projects spokeswoman Louise Asher last night said the Kennett government had planned to start building the centre in 2000. The Bracks Government is aiming for a 2009 opening date.
She said the Government's failure to get the centre built was damaging the economy, because Melbourne was falling behind as a convention destination.
Mr Lenders' spokeswoman, Manika Naidoo, said the tender was not yet finalised and so no comment could be made. A decision would be made soon.
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