Raising the roof at ICC Sydney: New exhibition centre takes shape

The roof has been installed for the new exhibition centre at Darling Harbour, marking a significant milestone towards the delivery of Sydney’s new convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct.

The major engineering feat used a strand-jacking technique normally reserved for aircraft hangers, bridges and stadiums to ensure the roof was raised in the most efficient way possible.

NSW Premier Mike Baird and Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said ICC Sydney was on track for completion by the end of the year, providing a boost to the NSW economy of at least $200 million every year.

“ICC Sydney is making great progress – it will truly cement Sydney as the number one place to live, work and do business, and retain its rightful place on the international stage,” Mr Baird said.

“Across NSW our record infrastructure program is driving jobs creation and powering ahead the state’s economy.”

Mr Constance said more than 7,000 people have worked across the site and ICC Sydney is now recruiting for 2,000 people to help deliver superior event experiences.

“Infrastructure investment is pivotal to our economy and the liveability of our state and creates huge benefits both during construction and well into the future,” Mr Constance said.

ICC Sydney is the centrepiece of the NSW Government’s $3.4 billion revitalisation of Darling Harbour, which includes:

• Three interconnected and flexible buildings for world-class conventions, exhibitions and entertainment events, with state-of-the-art technology;
• Vibrant public spaces centred around the expanded green space of Tumbalong Park and linked to the city and its surrounds by a bustling boulevard and pedestrian connections; and
• A 5-star luxury hotel with about 600 rooms and Darling Square - a new city neighbourhood with offices, residential, retail and restaurants.

About 40 international conventions have already been secured for 2017, along with 50 major exhibitions.