July 22, 2014

Site preparation and detailed design works have commenced for the multi-billion dollar redevelopment of Darling Harbour.

Expected to provide as many as 1,600 construction jobs, the circa $1.1 billion redevelopment project is replacing the existing exhibition and convention centre and involves:

• Development of the main International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) facility. The ICC Sydney will be capable of holding three concurrent events for an approximate total of 12,000 delegates and will house more than 40 meeting rooms.
• Construction of a new Exhibition Building to feature 35,000 square metres of exhibition space.
• Construction of a new Theatre to feature an 8,000-seat high class entertainment centre.

Darling Harbour Live, comprising Lend Lease, Hostplus, Capella Capital, AEG Ogden and Spotless, is partnering with the NSW Government to deliver the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) – the epicentre of the precinct’s most exciting renewal in 25 years.

Infrastructure NSW is the NSW Government agency managing the transformation. Darling Harbour and the new convention, exhibition and entertainment venues will continue to be publicly owned and managed through Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, which is presenting a dynamic calendar of events and entertainment during the redevelopment to keep the precinct active and vibrant.

In April 2012, Lend Lease appointed A.G. Coombs Projects as mechanical and HVAC services provider for the redevelopment.

A.G. Coombs site preparation works to date have included the draining of all water systems, reclaiming of refrigerant in all systems across the site, retention of pipework, fans and ductwork in ICC Parkside for temporary site accommodation, and the retention of underfloor plenums, ductwork and fans where possible in the existing Theatre, also located in the Parkside Building. Air handling, air diffusion and central chiller plant strategies have also been devised, which consider redundancy allowances, architectural design requirements, and the targeted LEED Gold environmental rating for the new complex.

A.G. Coombs is proud to be a part of this exciting project that will transform Sydney’s Darling Harbour.

Construction of the new ICC commenced mid 2014, with facilities set to open late in 2016.

For more information on this project, visit the Darling Harbour Live website.

Image: An artist’s impression of the new ICC Sydney complex, set to open in 2016