A CONVENTION centre with a capacity of over 1000 people has been touted for Frankston.
The centre, which may double as a hotel, has been advocated for by Dunkley MP Chris Crewther, who says he is working to potentially secure federal funding for the project.
“I mentioned the vision for this concept in my maiden speech in September 2016. Frankston is the perfect place for a major Convention Centre, particularly given Frankston is located by the beach, is connected by public transport, and is the hub of the peninsula with its access to wineries, flora and fauna reserves, great local businesses and more,” Mr Crewther said
“I’ve been provided with a concept by architect Amir Duzduzani that I have been using to give people an idea of what an iconic architecturally-designed, modern, open, light-filled and green Convention Centre would look like.”
One potential location discussed for the venue could be at the former site of the sand sculptures at the Frankston Foreshore, although concerns about a pumping unit under the ground may cause difficulties. The council-managed land at the foreshore is one of a number of discussed locations.
“A Convention Centre linked in with a 5 star hotel would bring national and international conferences and events to Frankston, as well as thousands of visitors and tourists. My vision is that this would in turn invigorate local businesses and further Frankston’s positive image on both the national and international stage. With a unique and attractive architectural design, it would also attract tourists to see the building itself, much as with the Opera House in Sydney,” Mr Crewther said.
“Any potential site should enable the Convention Centre to fit into, enhance and improve the surrounding landscape, show off our natural assets for locals and visitors, enable the retention of existing surrounding infrastructure, provide more than sufficient extra parking, and be iconic to Frankston.”
Frankston Council will be asked to look into different potential sites, but has yet to discuss the matter.