Construction begins on 2.5 Billion Transformation of Darling Harbour

Preliminary construction started this week on the $2.5 billion transformation of Darling Harbour, after the NSW Government finalised the State’s first Public Private Partnership (PPP) in five years.

By the end of 2016, a 20-hectare precinct – known as “Darling Harbour Live” – will be home to the new $1 billion world-class convention, exhibition and entertainment facilities, ICC Sydney, plus a premium harbourside hotel. A new neighbourhood with offices, residential, cafes and shops will also emerge progressively on the site of the existing Entertainment Centre, which will remain open until 2015.

Acting Premier Andrew Stoner said, “With final planning approval granted for the core facilities, construction will now begin on the newest, biggest and best exhibition and convention facilities in Australia.

“Over the next three years, Sydneysiders will see up to 10 cranes dot the skyline as Australia’s largest and first integrated major event facilities begin to emerge,” he said.

“Locals and visitors alike will benefit from increased parkland and improved pedestrian connections from Darling Harbour to Chinatown, Ultimo and Pyrmont.

“The transformed precinct will generate $5 billion in economic benefit during the next 25 years, and provide 3,700 jobs during construction and a further 4,000 jobs on completion,” Mr Stoner said.

The core facilities alone will create about 1,600 jobs during construction, and employment for about 1,750 people when operating.

Planning Minister Brad Hazzard said the beginning of construction on the new facilities was a major milestone in the transformation of the precinct.

“The existing Sydney Convention, Exhibition and Entertainment Centre at Darling Harbour will host its last event this weekend before closing its doors after 25 years of wonderful service,” Minister Hazzard said.

“While construction is taking place at Darling Harbour, Sydney’s major exhibitions will be taking place at the Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island with the first event scheduled for February 2014”.

The Darling Harbour Live project company comprises Capella, Lend Lease, HOSTPLUS, AEG Ogden and Spotless, has released new video animation of what the precinct will look like when complete at www.darlingharbourlive.com.au