New International Convention and Entertainment Centre for Sydney

The Existing Entertainment Centre

A new concept plan just released will see a new International Convention and Entertainment Centre in Sydney, the capital city of NSW, Australia. It will cost more than $900 million.

The seating capacity will be 12,000 the same as the present one, but will have better sight lines. Nick Tyrrell, the director of Cox Richardson Architects, who over oversaw the new concept plan said "The issue is that the existing Entertainment Centre, although it is used once a year for conference-type events, it doesn't have the sight lines, the seating arrangements that you really want for a major conference”.

Possible New Entertainment Centre

In the last decade NSW has lost more than $400 million of conference business because of the unsuitability of the present Centre, which is 28 years old. It was built in 1963 to replace the old Sydney Stadium, which was demolished to make way for a new train station.  

George Souris, Tourism Minister for NSW said "Sydney will be the number one choice for high-profile international events".

The existing carpark will be demolished to make room for the new Centre, then the old Entertainment Centre will be demolished. The project will be a combined Government and private enterprise venture. It is possible that the government will provide the land for free and a company pay for the cost of the building

Expressions of interest open in September, with tenders closing in November, and construction beginning in 2012.

Schools Spectacular

Many famous performers have appeared at the Entertainment  Centre, including Elton John, Pink, Kylie Minogue, Keith Urban and Bob Dylan. Last year I saw the Schools Spectacular (at which our son was doing work experience in the production crew for his school studies) and many years previously The Wizard of Oz on Ice at the Entertainment Centre. Hillsong has recorded many live CD’s of music at the Entertainment Centre.