ANDREW Barr has announced the selection of architects to create a reference design for a new and expanded Canberra Convention Centre.

“Local firm Guida Moseley Brown (GMB) and Rome-based architect Massimiliano Fuksas have been appointed to develop a reference design for the centre. A nine-member judging panel unanimously chose the ‘poetic and sculptural treatment of architectural form’ of the initial design by Fuksas + GMB from a shortlist of seven teams,” Andrew said.

“The judging panel included chief executive of the National Capital Authority Malcolm Snow, ACT Government Architect Alastair Swayne, Canberra Convention Bureau chief executive Robyn Hendry, Australian Institute of Architects Gold Medallist John Denton and City to the Lake project director Tim Xirakis. The panel was chaired by Ian Wood-Bradley, planning and design adviser to the City to the Lake project.

“Through the competition, the judges said that Fuksas + GMB demonstrated an outstanding urban design sensibility to the site, transforming and giving primacy to City Hill. The $500m-$700m project will provide Canberra with an iconic new Convention Centre.

“Both GMB and Fuksas have a strong track record of successful design and delivery of large-scale public projects. GMB was responsible for Canberra International Airport, Parliament House and numerous public projects in South East Asia, while Fuksas recently completed outstanding international projects including the New Trade Fair in Milan and Shenzen International Airport in Guangdong, China.

“Selecting an initial design is an important milestone in making the new convention centre investment-ready. The next step is for the winning architects to work with the ACT Government, industry and stakeholders to finalise a reference design and business case for the centre.”