Plans to expand South Boston convention center underway with approval for land purchase funds
The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority is reviving efforts to expand the Menino Convention & Exhibition Center in South Boston, while broadening its business model to plan its own meetings aimed at Boston’s fast-growing industries.
On Thursday, interim executive director John Barros took an important step toward expanding the 22-year-old convention center by securing board approval to use $55 million to relocate an adjacent state highway facility, as well as other land acquisition needs.
Barros does not yet have formal plans or cost estimates for the addition. He plans to hold business and community meetings, working with outside consultancy Deloitte, to come up with a proposal by the end of the year. The quasi-public authority would then, in early 2027, file a bill to secure the Legislature’s approval to issue bonds that would pay for the expansion.
