AUSTRALASIA – As construction begins for Sydney’s new convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct, International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney, planning approval for its landmark hotel has been given the green light.
A new hotel for Darling Harbour and Sydney situated adjacent to the new venues will be a major addition to Sydney’s hospitality offering, with accommodation for international delegates, tourists and business travellers.
New South Wales Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner says the hotel would create an impressive focal point for a revitalised Darling Harbour.
“It will be a spectacular addition to the new ICC Sydney precinct, helping to transform the area into a more vibrant and cosmopolitan part of our nation’s only global city,” he added.
“The hotel will form part of the NSW Government’s $2.5bn transformation of Darling Harbour, eventually complementing the high standard of events taking place at the new convention, exhibition and entertainment facilities right next door.”
Construction on the 35-storey hotel is expected to start towards the end of 2014, with 350 construction and 250 operational jobs being created as a result of the project.
The hotel will feature a “unique and instantly recognisable architectural design” marking the northern end of the ICC Sydney and western side of Cockle Bay; luxury hotel accommodation with up to 616 rooms to support the special event and tourist functions of Darling Harbour; ballroom and meeting/function centre and a club-lounge within a sculpted roof feature.
Minister for Planning Pru Goward said the hotel would be a drawcard to the precinct for interstate and international visitors.
“The NSW Government is building a world-class convention centre and we’ve now approved a world-class hotel to match. This will be the finishing touch to the transformation of Darling Harbour.”
The ICC Sydney is due for completion in December 2016
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