AUSTRALASIA - Four new contracts have been agreed to design, build and operate the interim exhibition centre at Glebe Island Expo in Sydney, following recent terminated negotiations with the preferred consortia.
Infrastructure New South Wales (INSW) project director Tim Parker said the interim facilities are required to support the exhibition and events industry while new world-class facilities are built at Darling Harbour, to be known as the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney). Construction of ICC Sydney is set to begin at the end of this year with the facilities due to open in December 2016.
“INSW has been working closely with industry representatives as part of a shared commitment to get the facility up and running,” said Parker, adding that there are currently more than 120 events holding space at the interim facility.
The new Sydney Exhibition Centre at Glebe Island will offer 20,000sqm of exhibition space, with an additional 5,000sqm for temporary expansion for larger public exhibitions and trade shows, pop-up restaurants and back of house facilities including storage and waste management.
International provider of event solutions and services GL events has been awarded the contract to supply the 20,000sqm hard-walled exhibition structure by INSW, while international convention facility management company AEG Ogden will operate the new facilities at Darling Harbour when they open at the end of 2016, facilitating a smooth transition from Glebe Island to the new facilities.
ISNW has secured Lend Lease as managing contractor to deliver the entire site works including the installation of fire services, generators and air-conditioning needed to support the facility during operation.
Pacific Pontoons will build a temporary ferry wharf at Glebe Island. Ferry and shuttle bus services will provide access to the site on event days only.
AEG Ogden’s director of convention centres, Geoff Donaghy, has been appointed CEO of ICC Sydney, as well as the first Asia Pacific-region president of the International Association of Congress Centres (AIPC).
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