GLADSTONE’S Entertainment Centre could be getting an upgrade, if Gladstone Regional Council agrees with a proposed joint venture announced by Premier Anna Bligh yesterday.

Ms Bligh’s announcement was for a $30 million project that will see the carpark at the centre go from two storeys to five-storeys, with two storeys of office space on top with one to house the new Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) Gladstone headquarters; and an extension to the centre for a 1000-person flat floor entertainment facility.

Ms Bligh announced only one floor of office space at yesterday’s press conference, however, Observer sources say it will actually be two-storeys of office space with the top one for MSQ and the other for extra office space for Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC).

The proposal, which will boost the centre’s capacity to 1670, will be on the council agenda for Tuesday’s meeting.

The proposal will see GPC pay for the car parks, office space and under the rates equivalent payments agreement with council, the extension entertainment facility.

“The redevelopment is a total around $30 million and the ports corporation is able to create the facilities on behalf of MSQ,” GPC chief executive officer Leo Zussino said.

“On the issue of the Entertainment Centre, the Ports Corporation has an arrangement with Gladstone Regional Council for a rates equivalent payment and the board has agreed to allow as much rates equivalent payments as required to allow the council then to fund the extension to the Entertainment Centre without any cost to the ratepayers. So it’s a great outcome for the whole community.”

“This is a great outcome for the people of Gladstone,” Ms Bligh said.

“More entertainment space for them and their families, better parking in the middle of town and Maritime Safety expanding their role so we’ve got better safety in the harbour and importantly out into the Great Barrier Reef.

“This is all part of our determination to keep the Great Barrier Reef pristine and safe as we see more shipping with the LNG industry through those barrier reef waters.”