Ahead of its formal budget announcement, the ACT government says it will spend, in partnership with the federal government, $200 million to begin the journey to building a new convention centre and entertainment precinct, and a new aquatic centre in Civic.

The ACT government says this includes $31.1 million for planning and detailed design work for the Convention and Entertainment Precinct, and $68.9 million for the design and construction of an aquatic centre in Commonwealth Park.

The Commonwealth Government’s $100 million will be matched by the ACT government across the 2025-26 budget and future, territory budgets.

The ACT government says Canberra’s existing convention centre is at capacity and unable to meet future demand. A new, larger facility will allow Canberra to host more summits, conferences, entertainment and sporting events, supporting the ACT’s visitor economy and growing jobs in tourism, hospitality and construction.

“The new Canberra Aquatic Centre in Commonwealth Park, located next to the new light rail stops on Commonwealth Avenue, will provide a modern aquatic facility for the territory and bring more people into the park,” Chief Minister Andrew Barr said.

“It also unlocks the land needed to deliver the Convention and Entertainment Precinct, with a larger convention centre and an integrated 8000 seat entertainment centre for live music, entertainment, and indoor sporting events.

“This precinct will enable Canberra’s place on the live music touring circuit and as a destination for business events, growing our economy and creating more jobs.

The Budget will also include support for the new Canberra Lyric Theatre.