Darling Harbour Redevelopment

Vision to Transform Darling Harbour Moves Another Step Closer

Read the latest press release from Deputy Premier of NSW, Andrew Stoner MP here.
(Released 27/03/13).
Latest news - Darling Harbour Plans Revealed (11/12/12)

The NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell today revealed the Government’s preferred plan to transform Darling Harbour and create a new Sydney International Convention, Exhibition and Entertainment Precinct.

The Destination Sydney consortium (comprising AEG Ogden, Lend Lease, Capella Capital and Spotless) has been chosen to build, maintain and operate the new facilities, which are explained on the project website, www.siceep.com.

We welcome the announcement and the Government’s commitment to the future prosperity of Sydney’s business events sector.

And of course we remain committed to ensuring the next year of operations at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre is among the most successful in our history, and we look forward to further achievement at the Sydney Entertainment Centre which will remain open until December 2015.

Ton van Amerongen
Chief Executive
Temporary Exhibition facilities announced (17/09/12)

The New South Wales Government has announced plans for an interim exhibition facility to be built on Glebe Island - to host exhibitions and trade shows throughout the three-year redevelopment of the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, and wider Darling Harbour precinct.

Glebe Island Expo will provide 15,000 square metres of exhibition space, plus an extra 10,000 square metres for larger shows, whilst the 20-hectare Sydney International Convention, Exhibition and Entertainment Precinct (SICEEP) takes shape.

George Souris MP, Minister for Tourism and Major Events said that only part of the site will be required for the interim facility, as exhibitions will co-exist with other port users. He also revealed plans for improvements in transport facilities and access to the site, via a potential ferry service.

Until designated operators are appointed, Business Events Sydney (BESydney) will take on broader responsibilities managing all booking enquiries for the site.

Expressions of interest for bookings can be submitted online at www.glebeislandexpo.com and all enquiries should be emailed to bookings@besydney.com.au or call 1300 141 583.

Infrastructure NSW will soon issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the construction, operation and eventual deconstruction of the site in 2016.

Read the statement from the Minister for Tourism and Major events here, as well as more from BESydney here.

Ton van Amerongen
Chief Executive

Read more about the Centre's redevelopment in our questions and answers below:

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Will the Centre be closing at the end of this year?

The Premier announced in April 2012 that the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre would close at the end of 2013 to make way for the construction of the new facilities. The Centre is entering into a very busy period, with 2013 being one of our busiest years on record, as well as being the year that marks 25 years of our achievements!

How long is the closure period and when will the new facilities be open?

The Government has chosen to fast-track the redevelopment over a shorter period of time, and that involves closing the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre completely from December 2013 to late 2016. See Infrastructure NSW website for more information: http://www.siceep.com

Will they be keeping any parts of the Centre?

Infrastructure NSW plans to announce the successful tenderer for building and operating the new facilities in December 2012. The structure of the new facilities will be the decision – within the proposed design – of the successful consortium.

Will construction begin throughout 2013?

Infrastructure NSW has confirmed in writing that “The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre will remain fully operational until December 2013. There will be no construction taking place prior to this time.”

Who can assist me to find other venue options in Sydney?

Business Events Sydney (BESydney: http://www.businesseventssydney.com.au ) has the latest and most comprehensive information on Sydney’s venues, and is able to provide you with specific advice and recommendations for your event. We can provide your details to BESydney, or you can call Robyn Johnson of BESydney on 02 9332 5237 (email: rjohnson@BESydney.com.au).

When will I be able to book my events into the new facilities?

BESydney is taking expressions of interest right now. Naturally, without the actual room layouts and plans at hand, they are unable to commit to specific space. We can provide your details to BESydney, or you can call Robyn Johnson of BESydney on 02 9332 5237 (email: rjohnson@BESydney.com.au ), and she will assist you with information regarding the booking process.

Has the Government announced new temporary facilities?

Infrastructure NSW has spent considerable time researching different options around Sydney to accommodate events that would otherwise have been held at the Centre. Visit the news section of the Infrastructure NSW website to read press releases regarding temporary facilities.

How will you deliver my event if the Centre is closing?

The Centre’s management is in the process of putting together a plan for this. With the very full calendar of events running through to December 2013, we want to ensure that we support the reputations of Sydney and the Centre by delivering world-class experiences to delegates and clients right through next year. We have run a very successful business, and we will continue to do so until we close in December 2013.

What will happen to the Centre's staff?

Because we have a significant number of business events, as well as expected high levels of entertainment events right up to the closure date, we will need a full complement of operational employees. There may be some positions which are no longer required for the operation of the centres, at an earlier date than the centre closures. We will be considering redeployment opportunities for individuals – within the Centre and externally – where their positions become redundant prior to the closure of the Centres.

Are they planning on keeping and using the existing skills and experience in the future facilities?

The Centre’s management is planning on talking with a number of organisations where we think the skills and capabilities of our staff may be attractive to them as an employer. As for the new operator, we are unable to speculate on their plans for staffing of the new facilities.

Will the Sydney Entertainment Centre close at the same time as the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre?

This decision will be taken by the successful tenderer with the agreement of the NSW Government. However, the Government has indicated that an option to keep the Sydney Entertainment Centre operating for a longer (yet to be determined) period may eventuate.
Watch our latest video from Chief Executive, Ton van Amerongen as he talks about the Centre's busy schedule for the next 17 months and the exciting Darling Harbour redevelopment project.