Transforming WIN Entertainment Centre into a convention centre would have flow-on effects to the Blue Mile waterfront precinct, according to Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery.
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On Wednesday, Venues NSW released a revamped proposal to upgrade the entertainment centre into a conference centre.
The $40 million plan was contained in a submission to the government’s discussion paper on Rebuilding NSW, which proposes to spend $20 billion on infrastructure – money which would come from the leasing of its electricity ‘‘poles and wires’’ after the next election.
The new convention centre plan expands on the $28 million option put forward last year and includes better facilities and a surrounding entertainment precinct with commercial opportunities on the eastern and southern edges.
Those opportunities would benefit from Wollongong City Council extending the Blue Mile south past WIN Stadium.
Cr Bradbery said a revamped entertainment centre would create a need to extend the Blue Mile – provided council could find the funding.
‘‘That would be a natural extension I would see, ultimately,’’ Cr Bradbery said.
‘‘All along that area would be suitable for the extension of the Blue Mile, linking it up to North Wollongong.
‘‘It gives impetus to the extension of the Blue Mile. So often when these things occur there are great spin-offs. There’s not only the economic drivers but the need to put in things like extra infrastructure.’’
Cr Bradbery said it also made sense for the entertainment/convention centre to make the most of any commercial opportunities, such as putting in cafes, restaurants or bars.
‘‘It’s expanding the opportunities that can occur down there,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s right on the beach, and it’s also close to the Blue Mile and then just up Crown Street to the retail precinct. So it’s really strategically located to make good use of those connections.’’
Minister for the Illawarra John Ajaka declined to say whether he supported the idea of a convention centre for Wollongong, or if he would be lobbying for it within government.
‘‘The Department of Premier and Cabinet is currently reviewing the submissions received on the Rebuilding NSW discussion paper and considering the views provided, along with other community and stakeholder views,’’ Mr Ajaka said.
‘‘The department is due to report back to the government on the outcomes of the consultation process in late November 2014.’’