The announcement comes just under a year after Sydney Ports Corporation officially opened the $57 million White Bay Cruise Terminal and demonstrates the Government’s commitment to meet the growing demands of a ‘booming’ cruise industry.
The Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT) upgrade at Circular Quay will begin in May 2014 – during the cruise low season, with most of the critical works scheduled to be completed by September. The terminal will remain operational during all construction works.
Mr Gay said, “The OPT has served the cruise industry well since its last upgrade for the 2000 Olympics but with annual cruise growth at record levels in recent years, the time is right to improve efficiency and make sure it is capable of regularly handling the bigger ships that are now becoming more common.
“This is not about changing the shape of this iconic terminal building; it is all about creating more space inside to improve passenger flows, especially from the increasing number of ships that have more passengers than ever before", the Minister said.
Sydney Ports CEO, Grant Gilfillan confirmed that Sydney-based company Watpac have been awarded the $22 million construction contract.
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