Queensland company to design Delhi Convention Centre

Deputy Premier, and Acting Treasurer and Minister for Trade, Jeff Seeney has congratulated award-winning Queensland architectural firm, Populous, on signing yet another major international deal.

Populous will continue to build on its extensive international portfolio of world-class sporting and entertainment precincts with the signing of a deal to undertake the architectural design and 30 year master plan for Delhi’s new Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Mr Seeney said the 124 acre complex known as Pragati Maidan would be redeveloped to continue hosting India’s largest consumer goods exhibition, which attracts three million visitors every year.

“The project will demonstrate Queensland’s capabilities to the world,” Mr Seeney said.

“India’s growing middle class is providing a myriad of opportunities for Queensland, particularly in the construction, education and tourism industries.

 
“Populous is one of Queensland’s great success stories and it was pleasing that they were able to share their experiences with other companies during the Newman Government’s recent Trade and Treasury Mission to Japan, China and the US.”

In the US, Populous showed the Treasurer and Minister for Trade Tim Nicholls around another one of its impressive designs: Citi Field Stadium, home to the New York Mets baseball team.

Populous was also able to meet the mayor of Suzhou in China to discuss its tender for the city’s new sporting complex.

Populous Senior Principal Paul Henry said the company’s Asian success has been a result of establishing a strong network and reputation on the domestic stage.

“We built Australian projects, including the joint design of the Sydney Olympic stadium and then Suncorp stadium in Brisbane, before the State’s global agency, Trade and Investment Queensland, assisted us to expand our portfolio overseas,” Mr Henry said.

Mr Seeney said India was Queensland’s fifth largest trading partner, with Queensland companies exporting more than $6 billion in merchandise exports to the region in 2011-12.

“The Premier will lead a trade mission to India in December, demonstrating the priority the Newman Government places on this market,” Mr Seeney said.

“As the Government works to restore Queensland’s finances and grow the economy, it remains dedicated to helping companies like Populous to achieve global economic success.”

[ENDS] 25 September 2012              

Media Contact: Treasurer’s Office  +61 3224 6900