The construction of the Albury Entertainment Centre (AEC) Convention Wing redevelopment – a major project set to revitalise the city’s cultural precinct and strengthen Albury’s role as a regional conference hub – will progress to tender following endorsement by AlburyCity Council.
The redevelopment is a key commitment of the Australian Government’s $80 million Albury Wodonga Regional Projects initiative, recognising Albury’s strategic position between Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra.
Built in 1972 and last upgraded in 1993, the AEC Convention Wing has long been recognised as needing significant renewal. Following extensive planning and funding commitments secured over recent years, the redevelopment is now ready to progress to the next phase.
Planning for the $39.5 million project has been underway for several years, with external funding secured from the Australian Government ($10 million) and the NSW Government ($15 million).
The Council has already invested more than $3 million in design and enabling works.
“Council has voted to go to tender which will ensure we obtain accurate costings, which will inform the next stage of deliberation,” said Mayor, Kevin Mack.
“Ultimately, we all want the best possible outcome for the community – enabling the projected benefits of the AEC redevelopment, while keeping a firm eye on Council’s financial sustainability.”
The Convention Wing redevelopment’s anticipated benefits include:
- An estimated $124.9 million economic contribution during construction and economic benefit of $22.5 million annually once operational;
- Substantial increases in AlburyCity revenue, from approximately $1.1 million to nearly $5 million per year in 2028–29;
- Attraction of larger-scale conferences and events, positioning the AEC as a leading regional venue;
- Greater opportunities for tourism and visitor economy growth.
Council says the redevelopment would significantly expand and enhance the Convention Wing, doubling conference seating capacity to 2,000 patrons and increasing exhibition space.
Key design elements would include a modern, inclusive and accessible venue with stronger connections to QEII Square, MAMA, the LibraryMuseum and Retro Lane Café. A new formal plaza and public meeting space at the entrance would accommodate both larger and concurrent events.
The Council will now progress to the tender phase, with the recommendations to be presented to Councillors in early 2026.
