The NSW Government has announced it will provide $1 million to create a masterplan to redevelop and expand the state’s s convention and exhibition facilities.
The Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority has been given responsibility for delivering the masterplan by the end of this year.
The project will aim to expand Sydney’s share of the convention centre market and will explore options to upgrade and expand facilities at Darling Harbour.
NSW Premier Kristina Keneally said the development of the masterplan is the first step in the NSW Government’s response to recommendations of the joint Ministerial Taskforce on Tourism Planning and Investment to be delivered shortly.
“Sydney is Australia’s global city and this masterplan project will explore opportunities to upgrade existing facilities to attract more conventions and exhibitions to our State,” Ms Keneally said.
“Attracting more conferences and conventions to NSW, will boost the State’s tourism industry, supporting local accommodation providers and tourism operators. This masterplan process will look at ways to enhance Sydney’s position in attracting future conventions and exhibitions.
“Work on the masterplan will examine options for an expanded convention and exhibition facility in Darling Harbour, the refurbishment of the Sydney Entertainment Centre, and the integration of new facilities with the adjacent $6 billion Barangaroo project.
“The masterplan will also consider the best ways to integrate the convention and exhibition centre precinct with other popular tourist precincts including Chinatown, the Powerhouse Museum and the education precinct at the University of Technology.
Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre chief executive Ton van Amerongen welcomed the NSW Government’s move to develop a plan for the expansion of the State’s convention and exhibition facilities. He said the venue’s expansion would create the means to significantly boost the number of international and national business events held in Sydney.
“By increasing the size of the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre we’ll be able to meet the increasing demand from associations and conference organisers wanting to hold their meetings in Sydney, Australia’s leading business events city,” van Amerongen said.
“An expansion of our facilities would also allow existing events at our venue to grow in size. It would be a great result for Sydney, delivering significant economic benefit and employment.”
The Australian Hotels Association (NSW) also applauded the move saying it would offer significant boost to the State’s tourism industry, as well as much-needed support to local accommodation providers and tourism operators.
“Business visitors are high-spending visitors, are known to stay longer in the destination city and often make return visits,” said AHA (NSW) CEO Sally Fielke.
“The $1 million commitment by the NSW Government into Sydney’s ability to attract major conferences will renew the whole Darling Harbour entertainment precinct and will create and even better place to live, work and visit.”
“More international conferences means more innovation, prestige and business collaboration. This will not only benefit hotels in NSW, but the economy as a whole.”
