Decision made on Darling Harbour redevelopment
Months of speculation has ended yesterday when NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell announced the development of an integrated exhibition and entertainment precinct in Darling Harbour, Sydney.
The Sydney Entertainment Centre will be demolished and the Convention and Exhibition Centre will be closed from late 2013 to late 2016 as the precinct undergoes a $1 billion makeover.
The proposed development will see existing precinct expand to cover 20 hectares and the construction of a 40,000 square metre exhibition space, making it the largest in Australia.
International entertainment events and ‘mega’ conferences will be catered for with an 8000 capacity red-carpet premium entertainment facility and a 6000 square metre meeting room.
During the construction period Sydney's major events industry will remain open for business with Sydney Olympic Park, Moore Park, the Australian Technology Park at Eveleigh and various Sydney hotels serving as venues.
“The project will mean a complete face lift for Darling Harbour - as well as the world-class facilities,” Mr O'Farrell said yesterday.
“NSW has already lost $150 million in economic benefit over the four years to 2010-11 because the current facilities have not been able to accommodate 169 conventions and 12 exhibitions,” Mr O'Farrell said.
The construction program is expected to create up to 3500 jobs over the three-year schedule.
