NCE Refurbishment + Integrated Canberra & Region Visitors Centre Fitout

Capitalising on an iconic location to offer a memorable visitor experience.

AMC was engaged to provide architectural and interior design services for the refurbishment of the National Capital Exhibition Centre (NCE) at Regatta Point by the NCA and the design and delivery of the newly relocated Canberra & Region Visitor Centre by Visit Canberra. The colocation of the Visitor Centre and the NCE presented an excellent opportunity to take advantage of synergies between the two organisations and to provide a central location for visitors and locals alike to access information about the City’s history and key local and regional attractions.

The refurbishment of the NCE involved a major overhaul of building services, a new entry canopy, concourse works and targeted demolition and refurbishment works to improve wayfinding, access and administration spaces to achieve the NCA’s vision for this historically significant and iconic building. These works provided a foundation for AMC’s design concept for the Visitor Centre to capitalise on the iconic location and scenic vistas offered by the elevated location within the Parliamentary Triangle.  The Visitor Centre incorporates high tech digital displays, touchscreens, merchandise and visitor information set against the backdrop of Lake Burley Griffin and extensive views across Canberra.  Striking timber screening and fixed seating elements, a colourful palette and interactive displays capture the essence of Canberra and create an exciting and memorable visitor experience. The refurbishment and fitout works were successfully completed within a tight timeframe to accommodate Visit Canberra’s relocation schedule and NCE’s operations, which continued unimpeded throughout the construction programme. The new Visitor Centre was formally opened by Chief Minister, Andrew Barr, and Federal Minister for Local Government and Territories, Fiona Nash.