The Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) included in Phase 3 – which has already opened for event quotations – will include 500,000 square feet 16,000-seat multi-purpose Galaxy Arena, and will be directly connected to the future Hyatt Hotel Corporation 700 rooms Andaz Hotel.

“We didn’t want this to just be a big box, we wanted it to look iconic and stand out. […] Industry-wise people now also have large expectations for technology and immersiveness. We wanted to build a venue capable of delivering experiences so we have a lot of technology deployed in the building,” Pather stated in a talk held by the France Macau Chamber of Commerce.

According to the centre’s brochure, the GICC will include 10,000 square meters of pillar-less space that can accommodate up to 7,000 delegates, a banquet event area that can hold corporate banquets up to 2,400, a grand ballroom for 1,000 guests, and a 650-seat auditorium.

The project is scheduled to open in stages in the second half of this year depending on market response but with Pather admitting Galaxy is aiming more for “the later part” of the second half.

“We have not yet decided which sector will open first. We are going through our licensing and making sure the building is tested and ready. Then we will see what events we take on,” he added.

Pather noted that most inquire for possible venue bookings have come from associations and corporate groups, mainly from Mainland China.

According to the MICE Operations Senior Vice President, the main concept was to achieve the feel of a 5-star hotel with the functionality and flexibility of a convention centre.

The Galaxy Arena, for example, is set to be used for the event ranging from boxing matches, e-sports to Cantopop concerts.