Learn more about the International Convention Centre (ICC) – Sydney
The construction of the new International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC) at Darling Harbour is well under way and is expected to open its doors to the public in December. Not only will the centre be used for conventions and exhibitions, it will also be home to Australia’s largest ballroom and an innovative fan-shaped theatre that will seat 8000 people.
The ICC will be a world class venue consisting of 5 levels. The convention centre alone will hold three fully separated, self-sufficient, concurrent events that can accommodate a total of 4300 delegates.
But what we are most excited about is the exhibition space, with its seven halls, 10.5 metre ceilings, 20kPa floor loading and 9 metre x 9 metre rigging grid. The internal space is mind boggling, with a total of 35,000sqm separated over two levels. A further 2,411sqm of boutique style exhibition space, called The Gallery, will be located on level two, and there will also be a 5,000sqm open air event deck which includes a 1,000sqm outdoor lounge and bar area. Wow!
With all this potential we find it hard to see why some people are still mourning the loss of the old Sydney Exhibition centre. The ICC chief executive Geoff Donagh said he has no regrets; ”The old centre served Sydney really well but the majority of it was 30 years old. It was the first centre that was built in Australia but technology, the needs of the market, and just the realisation of the importance of business events, not just to the economy, but to a city’s reputation as well meant it was time [for a new centre].”
Although the ICC is due to be finished by the end of the year, the whole redevelopment project of 20 hectares in Darling Harbour is not due to be finished until 2019. However, this has not affected bookings and the centre has already got 50 exhibitions locked in and another 40 international conventions for 2017.
We think this precinct will prove to be one of the great jewels in Sydney’s crown, and it will be embraced as one of our great attractions. If NSW Premier Mike Baird is right, the convention centre has the potential to attract a “world cup of economic activity,” and that’s got to be good for business whichever way you look at it.
Phil Hine is the General Manager at Displays 2 Go, Australia’s leading manufacturer of exhibition display stands, in-store demonstration and sampling equipment.