$6 Million Upgrade for Auckland Convention Centre at THE EDGE® set to begin
The $6 million refurbishment of THE EDGE® key convention facilities at the Aotea Centre begins in two weeks.
From Monday 24 November the Aotea Centre’s convention facilities will be closed while it undergoes its first major
upgrade since the centre was completed in 1990.
The refurbishment is expected to take almost six months and the new convention centre will open in mid-2004 with
increased floor space and greater flexibility.
THE EDGE® has been working closely with key contractors, Jasmax and Aspec, to develop plans for up-to-date flexible
convention facilities within a limited budget and tight timeframe.
The new-look Aotea Centre will be exceptionally flexible with 11 breakout rooms on three levels which can be merged to
suit individual client needs. The rooms will be suitable for all conference needs including plenary sessions, breakout
sessions, cocktail functions and banquets.
THE EDGE® property manager Suzanne Webb says there have been a number of challenges which have needed creative
solutions. These include dealing with the water fountain area, creating a new floor and maintaining reasonable ceiling
heights in the upper level, building a new staircase and dealing with the operable wall system.
The upgraded Aotea Centre will be ideal for conventions for about 1200 delegates. THE EDGE® believes Auckland still
needs a purpose built convention centre with sufficient exhibition and banquet space if Auckland is to attract
international conventions of more than 2000 delegates.