Hamilton Convention Centre begins $10M renovation

• By Spencer Rioux
• Posted Monday, Jul 07, 2025 1:53 pm

Hamilton Convention Centre begins $10M renovation

Hamilton’s major downtown venue for conventions and other large events is undergoing a large $10 million renovation.

The Hamilton Convention Centre, located at 1 Summers Lane directly beside FirstOntario Concert Hall (formerly known as Hamilton Place), has long been one of the city’s biggest venues for conferences, meetings, tradeshows, gala dinners, and more.

Targeting a February 2026 completion, this new renovation of 80,000 square-foot venue by HUPEG and Carmens Group will include substantial upgrades and modernizations including features like a rooftop garden that will grow vegetables, herbs, and spices while also serving as a community garden project in partnership with the City. 

Additional plans include a wine & coffee bar on Summers Lane, and a Speakers’ Corner-inspired feature at the King Street side of the building in partnership with Cable 14. 

There will also be renovations to the front lobby entrance, plus new flooring, wall accessories, and ceiling investments throughout the venue. An expansion of an additional 7,500 square feet of event space is also part of the plans.

The renovation also values energy efficiency, using HUPEG’s relationship to Hamilton Community Enterprises and Nerva Energy to install new HVAC units that reduce the venue’s carbon footprint by 50 per cent. 

“We are delighted to share with the Hamilton community that major work will be commencing at the Hamilton Convention Centre to transform the venue into a completely refurbished event space that will be enjoyed by new convention attendees and local patrons alike,” says HUPEG president and Carmens Group CEO PJ Mercanti. 

“A floor to ceiling modernization with new facility features will support Hamilton’s ability to secure more regional, provincial and national conventions that will occupy....[READ MORE]