Two kilometres of hoardings are being erected at Darling Harbour in preparation for the construction of new world-class convention, exhibition and entertainment facilities at Darling Harbour – the Government’s first PPP since 2008.

NSW Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner said the erection of hoardings around the site will be completed this week, after which the current exhibition facilities will be dismantled, recycled and removed from the site.

“The NSW Government is getting on with the $2.5 billion transformation of Darling Harbour to ensure Sydney remains the first choice in Australia and the Asia Pacific for the major events industry,” Mr Stoner said.

“The erection of hoardings at Darling Harbour is an important milestone in the construction of the new exhibition, event and entertainment facilities at Darling Harbour.

“Major demolition work on the current facilities will start once all of the hoardings have been erected, and we expect construction of the new venues to commence mid-year.

“In total 70,000 tonnes of concrete and 2,000 tonnes of steel will be removed from the current site, with approximately 90 percent of all materials to be recycled.

“By the end of 2016 Darling Harbour will be transformed with a new 20-hectare precinct – known as “Darling Harbour Live” – to be home to the new $1 billion world-class convention, exhibition and entertainment facilities, ICC Sydney, plus a premium harbour side hotel,” Mr Stoner said.

“A new neighbourhood with offices, residential, cafes and shops will also emerge progressively on the site of the existing Entertainment Centre, which will remain open until 2015.

“In total the project will generate $5 billion in economic benefit for NSW over 25 years, and provide 3700 jobs during construction and a further 4000 jobs on completion.

“In the meantime Sydney’s major exhibitions will be taking place at the Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island with the first event scheduled for February 2014.

“Of course Darling Harbour will continue to be a hive of activity while construction is occurring, with business, events and family activities continuing to take place in the precinct.”

  DARLING HARBOUR, EXHIBITION FACILITIES, HOARDINGS GO UP, NEW CONVENTION, PREPARE