Industry groups are urging the federal and ACT governments to turn plans for Canberra’s proposed National Convention and Entertainment Centre into construction, while ensuring local businesses are given a fair chance to help build it.

The calls follow the release of a tender for a specialist consultant team to prepare a business case and reference design for the long-awaited project, including its scope, costs, benefits, risks and delivery options.

The Property Council said the business case should provide a clear pathway to construction, arguing Canberra’s ageing convention centre no longer had the size or functionality needed to compete for many major national and international events. It warned further delays would continue to cost the city conferences, visitors and economic opportunities.

Master Builders ACT welcomed the project’s progress but said the next phase must include procurement settings that maximise opportunities for local builders, subcontractors, suppliers and trades. It said projects of this scale should deliver lasting benefits for Canberra’s construction industry, local jobs and apprentices.

The proposed centre is intended to attract major conventions, business events, concerts and cultural activities, and forms part of broader plans to redevelop the CBD alongside light rail, the Canberra Aquatic Centre and the University of New South Wales city campus.

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