News this week: The New
South Wales (NSW) Government has announced through project manager, Infrastructure NSW (INSW),
that a budget of US$1.03 billion has been approved to fund the development of
the Sydney International
Convention, Exhibition and Entertainment Precinct (SICEEP) at Darling
Harbour.
The latest update on new
facilities will include 40,000 m2 of exhibition space and 6,000 m2
of meeting room space, while convention and banqueting capacity will be
increased to cater to 10,000 and 2,000 people respectively.
The total size of the
precinct will also be increased by two-thirds from 12 to 20 hectares, which
will include supporting facilities such as hotels and retail space. The
construction of the precinct will see the Sydney
Convention and Exhibition Centre and Sydney
Entertainment Centre closed for renovations between 2013 and 2016.
Industry players have
voiced concerns regarding replacement space for the “65 large exhibitions and
events that will be displaced over the three years”, as well as the allocation
of open public space due to the inclusion of the adjoining Tumbalong Park in
the expansion.
Barry O’Farrell, Premier
of NSW, commented, “NSW has already lost A$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. During the three-year
construction period, Sydney’s major events industry will remain open for
business… Sydney Olympic Park,
Moore Park, Sydney’s hotels,
the Australian Technology Park, Allphones Arena and other venues
in Sydney will play an expanded role in hosting conferences, exhibitions and
entertainment during the construction period.”
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