ICC Sydney promises big things on the horizon

Work is well underway on the game-changing International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) which promises to bring the wow factor to the existing iconic locations and architecture found in Australia’s city hub.

The development is part of a $3.4 billion rejuvenation of the Darling Harbour precinct that’s set to bring new life to the city and offer a world-class experience for tourists and locals alike. The centre is due to open in December this year.

ICC Sydney chief executive Geoff Donaghy addressed media on Friday followed by a site tour of the ICC, to give an insight into the exciting new project that’s well underway.

“[The ICC] is nestled in the centre of what we think is one of the most exciting, diverse and innovative precincts that’s happening in the world at the moment,” he said.

“The whole convention centre is surrounded by the cultural, technology and university precinct that now is such a feature of the western part of the city.”

In his address, Donaghy called on prominent thought leaders to bring additional insight into the project.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Events, Steve Ayres said, “We want to be an events capital in the Asia Pacific. We want to be able to say if you come to Sydney you’re going to come to the best convention centre and the best theatre facilities in this part of the world.”

The focus on world-class experiences is strong, and met throughout the whole project – from the architectural design and facilities through to the cuisine.

The convention centre is no simple venue – with two high quality theatres holding 2,500 and 1,000 people; a grand ballroom overlooking the skyline; meeting pods with parkland views; and an elevated event deck, it’s changing the way people, business and events will come together in Sydney.

“It’s all about the experience people have when they come here, we know that people come to conventions with a limited time and the best thing for them is to capture the flavour of the city,” said Ken Maher, head of Hasser, the architectural firm involved in the design of the site.

With the first exhibition season nearly finalised for 2017 and up to 300 national and 40 international conventions already lined up, the ICC team is well advanced in preparations for its grand opening.

“It’s one of the most exciting projects and one of the most exciting precincts happening in our business, anywhere in the world,” Donaghy said.

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