After two years of design and consultation work with the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC) leaseholders, Premier Roger Cook confirmed on Wednesday that the project would not proceed. The government determined that the scale and timing of the redevelopment could not be justified, particularly given the financial and logistical demands involved.
Why was the project scrapped?
The State Government said the redevelopment would have required an investment of more than $1.6 billion, with the full cost to be borne by the State’s balance sheet. An additional $500 million in road and rail infrastructure upgrades would have been needed before any work could begin, impacting key routes through the Perth CBD.
Cook said the decision was made in light of the important focus on value for taxpayers and the need to avoid disruptions to Perth’s already strong business events calendar.
A $35 million contribution had previously been made to support design, engineering, and business case works. Those outcomes will remain available to inform future redevelopment discussions.
Premier Roger Cook said, “Our existing business events and tourism program is an important part of our government’s strategy to diversify the economy and ensure it remains the strongest in the nation.”
“This is an important focus for my government; however, I refuse to compromise on major projects that will deliver better health outcomes for Western Australians.”
“We want to expand our major conference capacity, but it needs to occur in a way that delivers value for taxpayers and doesn’t interrupt the impressive forward program of business events activity.”
The PCEC continues to host a full schedule of major conventions and trade events. Over the past year, the centre has staged Supanova Comic Con & Gaming, the WA Mining Conference and Exhibition, and the International Wheat Congress.
Upcoming events include the General Practice Conference & Exhibition in November 2025, West Tech Fest in December 2025, Energy Exchange Australia in March 2026, and the World Police and Fire Games in March 2027 — among others already secured into the next two years.
The government said protecting this forward program was a key factor in the decision, noting the significant economic value the business events sector contributes to Perth’s tourism and hospitality industries.
Investment redirected to health infrastructure
In the same announcement, the Cook Government launched the $1.5 billion Building Hospitals Fund — part of a record $4.7 billion health infrastructure commitment over the next four years.
Projects now underway include the $1.8 billion Women and Babies Hospital and the $471.5 million Bunbury Health Campus redevelopment, the largest regional hospital project in Western Australia’s history.
Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti added, “The announcements we’ve made today mean we will now be investing $4.7 billion into health infrastructure over the next four years — representing the largest hospital building program in the State’s history.”
