NSW Premier Mike Baird and Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance today celebrated another milestone with the Darling Harbour Live consortium that is delivering International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney).
One of three interconnected buildings that form Australia’s premier and first fully-integrated convention, exhibition and entertainment destination, the convention building has been designed to host up to three concurrent conventions, each with their own plenary, catering facilities, meeting rooms and foyer spaces.
ICC Sydney’s contemporary design celebrates Sydney’s temperate weather and natural environment with sweeping views of the harbour and city skyline through glass facades and from balconies throughout the venue. This area of the precinct is also home to Sydney’s new ballroom; set to be Australia’s largest, it will seat up to 2,000 guests.
The operational preparations of venue manager AEG Ogden are also on track.
ICC Sydney Chief Executive Officer and AEG Ogden Group Convention Centres Director, Geoff Donaghy said the topping out event marked almost 12 months to the testing and commissioning program that will see the entire venue presented and operating at world class standards in time for its opening in December 2016.
“As the ICC Sydney team continues to build, the operations team is implementing plans to launch world leading technology as well as exceptional culinary and professional business services that will deliver the ultimate in business event experiences,” he said.
Premier Mike Baird said that the extraordinary progress made at ICC Sydney is evidence of the NSW Government’s commitment to building tomorrow’s Sydney fast and efficiently.
“This major infrastructure project is moving at a cracking pace and is another example of how the NSW Government is building tomorrow’s Sydney,” Mr Baird said.
“By the end of next year, we’ll have a state-of-the-art convention centre that truly befits a global city and one that cements Sydney as the number one place to do business.”
Mr Constance said the vibrant waterfront at Darling Harbour will ensure international delegates have an unmatched visitor experience.
“This is the biggest and most exciting change to Darling Harbour in 25 years,” Mr Constance said.
“ICC Sydney will reinstate Sydney as one of the world’s premier business events destinations, boosting the economy by at least $200 million each year.”
Business Events Sydney (BESydney) CEO, Lyn Lewis-Smith said her organisation and ICC Sydney are currently working together to secure events that could deliver around $300 million in direct expenditure to NSW, supporting thousands of jobs.
“BESydney has secured more than 20 international events for ICC Sydney, attracting more than 200,000 delegates,” she said.
ICC Sydney is being delivered by the NSW Government in partnership with Darling Harbour Live, comprising Lendlease, Hostplus, Capella Capital, AEG Ogden and Spotless FM.
