Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre

The Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre is a public-subsidised, privately owned convention centre located in Perth, Western Australia which contains state-of-the-art technical facilities, six exhibition pavilions, a 2,500 seat theatre, banquet/ballrooms and 23 meeting rooms.

Built by Multiplex and officially opened in August 2004 by the Hon Dr Geoff Gallop, MLA, Premier of Western Australia, its construction was extremely controversial, owing to an overblown budget and an unprepossessing external appearance. It has been described as a "Soviet-era mausoleum" and a "giant grey cockroach", as well as a white elephant whose financial viability has been questionable. However, it made it possible for Perth to host the 2011 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), with heads of state and official delegates of more than 50 member countries.