Melbourne & Olympic Parks to showcase new event spaces at IMEX Frankfurt

Melbourne & Olympic Parks (M&OP) – home of the Australian Open grand slam tennis championship – is set to showcase its new conference and events centre at IMEX Frankfurt later this month.

M&OP has also announced it has embarked on stage three of its multi-million dollar redevelopment, unveiling major demolition work on existing structures to pave the way for the development.

The conference and events centre – now open for bookings and scheduled for completion in 2022 – will join M&OP’s impressive line-up of world-class Australian venues.

Lara Burnes, general manager of premier events and experiences at M&OP, said: “Melbourne has earnt its reputation as a culturally dynamic city, with its unique offerings counting colourful restaurants and unmatched sporting events.

“There’s truly something for everyone not only in our city, but at Melbourne & Olympic Parks.

“The new conference and events centre is set to bolster our already award-winning events capabilities, and will complement the newly opened expansion of the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.”

With the capability and flexibility to host both large-scale and smaller, intimate events, construction on the centre is under way, with the M&OP currently levelling surrounding grounds, representing the third and final stage of its $972 million redevelopment.

Civic in design, the new events centre will include 8.5 high metre ceilings (27.88 feet) and floorto-ceiling windows, projecting natural light across a generous 2000 square metre (21,528 square feet) pillarless ballroom and 800 square metre (8611 square feet) pre-function area.

Across two levels, the upper floor will feature a 250-seat auditorium, an abundance of breakout rooms, and outdoor terraces with uninterrupted views of the Melbourne city skyline and surrounding parklands.

The $271.5 million stage three redevelopment will also include a 5000-seat show court arena, production kitchen and central terrace area linking the new conference and events centre to existing venues, including Rod Laver Arena.

Construction is scheduled for completion by late 2021, with event bookings now open for 2022.