Sydney’s new world class convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct takes shape at Darling Harbour

The transformation of Darling Harbour into one of the world’s best places to live, meet and be entertained is well underway, more than a year after work began onsite.

The significant infrastructure project will deliver the world class International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), more public spaces and improved pedestrian connections. On schedule to be completed in late 2016, the project is being developed through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) with the New South Wales Government and Darling Harbour Live (comprising Lendlease, HOSTPLUS, Capella Capital, AEG Ogden and Spotless). The project is the centrepiece of a $3 billion 20 hectare redevelopment of Darling Harbour that includes an adjacent luxury hotel and a new commercial and residential neighbourhood, Darling Square, both being delivered by Lendlease.

General Manager, Darling Harbour Live, David Lovell said, “We are thrilled to be responsible for this important project for Sydney and New South Wales. We’ve had a very successful first 12 months on site, working closely with Infrastructure NSW and Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority. “Since we reached Financial Close in December last year, Lendlease has demolished the old buildings, removing more than 16,000 tonnes of steel and 110,000 tonnes of concrete. In doing so, they achieved a positive sustainability outcome, exceeding the recycling target of 90 per cent of the demolition materials. “During the early construction phase, over 1,500 piles were installed across the site, each up to 25 metres deep. There are now seven tower cranes in operation across the site and concrete structural works and steel erection will continue in 2015, as the buildings really start to take shape.

We’ve had terrific support for the project over the past year from the community and all stakeholders, and I would like to particularly thank the residents and businesses in and around Darling Harbour for their patience as we build these fantastic new facilities. “ICC Sydney will be operated by AEG Ogden who established their pre-opening office during the year. AEG Ogden will not only deliver the best local and overseas entertainment acts in these great new facilities, but will also bring the world’s most important conventions and exhibitions to Sydney in conjunction with Business Events Sydney.

They have already garnered significant interest with 19 international events secured which will bring a combined estimated economic impact of close to $150 million to NSW.” ENDS Media