Wellington convention centre comes one step closer

An artist's impression of the convention centre and hotel. Photo / supplied

A purpose-built convention centre and five-star Hilton Hotel in central Wellington has come a step closer to fruition, with the council voting today to support the proposal.

The venue would be built on a vacant site opposite Te Papa, on Cable Street.

Mayor Celia Wade-Brown said the next stage was a formal month-long public consultation process, which would start next month.

"This proposal will create jobs, growth and revenue for the city. It's important now that the public has a say. We'll be providing a range of information so they can make informed submissions."

It was estimated to bring in $22 million in GDP to the Wellington economy each year, she said.

The 4400 square metre facility would be able to host up to 1200 conference delegates, with a banqueting capacity for up to 1450 people.

Local developer Mark Dunajtschik would finance the overall project.

The council would lease the convention centre at an average net cost to the city of about $2 million a year over the ten year lease term, Ms Wade-Brown said.

The convention centre could be up and running by 2017.