NSW has approved a $1 billion upgrade to the Sydney Entertainment Centre, Convention Centre and Exhibition Centre at Darling Harbour - the scope of development expanded for the second time to ensure the facilities are better than those in other Australian capitals.

The development of an integrated exhibition and entertainment precinct was first announced last year; NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell on Tuesday announced the NSW cabinet had approved expanded plans, with the size of the precinct increased from 12 to 20 hectares.

Infrastructure NSW (INSW) will lead the delivery of the new facilities as part of a Public Private Partnership (PPP). Two consortia are now bidding for the job.

The new facilities will include the biggest meeting room space in Australia at 6,000 sqm and the largest Australian convention hall capacity.

Last year, Architecture and Design reported the release of concept plans for a $900 million convention and entertainment centre, showing preliminary schematic diagrams of the proposed concept for the centre, as prepared by Cox Richardson (images below).

And in October 2011, expanded plans were released.

Design excellence was a key requirement of the government brief, with the redevelopment being touted as an “opportunity to deliver an iconic building with a distinctive landmark quality and a platform for world-class architecture”.

According to the planning documents, key elements of the SMCEC will include:

  • a number of important public domain enhancements, including a plaza or public gathering space adjacent to the centre, usable as open public space and pre or post function meeting areas.
  • improved connectivity and linkages to surrounding areas, including significantly enhanced connections through to Darling Harbour

  • provision of other uses, such as hotel and retail uses, intended to enliven the precinct and support the central convention/entertainment functions.

The latest plans have received widespread support from both business and industry groups.

Sydney Business Chamber says the makeover will help put Sydney back on top, after it had lost millions of dollars in economic benefits because its ageing convention centre.

Concept plans for the proposed Sydney International Convention and Entertainment Centre are available via this link.