Glebe Island to be interim exhibition site

Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, Brad Hazzard, said the interim facility will boost the burgeoning exhibition industry, which generates more than $100 million into the NSW economy each year.  

“Only part of the site will be required for the interim facility, to be known as ‘Glebe Island Expo’ and exhibitions will co-exist with other port users,” Mr Hazzard said.  

“The NSW Government has been consulting with the community and stakeholders on future uses through the Bays Precinct and this interim use of Glebe Island will see improvements including public transport access (likely to be a ferry service) to the site.”  

Infrastructure NSW is delivering the Sydney International Convention, Exhibition and Entertainment Precinct project at Darling Harbour for the NSW Government and has developed a Sydney-wide solution to ensure NSW’s events industry stays number one during construction.  

Sydney Olympic Park, Moore Park, Sydney’s hotels, the Australian Technology Park, the Hordern Pavilion, Royal Randwick, Luna Park and Allphones Arena will play expanded roles in hosting conferences, smaller exhibitions and entertainment.  

Minister for Tourism and Major Events George Souris said businesses need an interim facility as the large exhibition industry attracts half a million people each year and provides certainty for thousands of workers including riggers, electricians and caterers.  

“Glebe Island Expo is expected to provide 15,000 square metres of exhibition space in a high quality, fully serviced, air conditioned pavilion. An extra 10,000 square metres will be available for exhibitors to temporarily expand the space for larger exhibitions and trade shows,” Mr Souris said.  

Infrastructure NSW will soon issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) from companies interested in designing, building, operating and then removing the interim facility in 2016. The RFP will also include event-related food and beverage facilities such as pop-up cafes and restaurants.  

Infrastructure NSW is investigating community, environmental and amenity issues as part of its application to the NSW Department of Planning and  Infrastructure.
For further information, visit siceep.com.