Joint venture partners HASSELL + Populous have won the architectural contract for the design of Sydney’s new integrated convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct at Darling Harbour, due for completion in 2016. HASSELL will also design the extensive public parklands and open space within the 20 hectare precinct.
HASSELL + Populous are design consultants to Destination Sydney consortium, which has been selected by the New South Wales Government as preferred developer and contractor of the AUD $1 billion facility. The consortium comprises of developer Lend Lease, its infrastructure development business Capella Capital, leading venue managers and operators AEG Ogden, and Spotless, which will deliver Facility Management Services.
Ken Maher, HASSELL design leader on the project, said the firm was delighted to take on the challenge of transforming a key Sydney precinct through the design of three major public buildings and the unifying public realm.
“The re-making of Darling Harbour is a rare opportunity to design a significant new quarter within the central city,” he said. “It extends the urban fabric and re-connects the city to Ultimo and Pyrmont with more permeable networks of streets and lanes. Importantly it can bring a new level of public amenity for visitors and citizens alike through extended public parkland that is identifiably ‘Sydney’ in character.
“This precinct will reflect the dynamism of Sydney’s cityscape, redefine Darling Harbour, and respect the precinct’s parkland setting.” said Populous’ Richard Breslin
The precinct will include:
| Upgrade and improvements to the extensive public parklands and open space
| A convention facility capable of holding three separate concurrent events of up to 2,500 delegates
| Total exhibition capacity of 40,000 square metres
| An external event deck of 5,000 square metres featuring spectacular city views
| A plenary hall which can be converted to an entertainment theatre with a seated capacity of 8,000
| A grand ballroom with banqueting space for up to 2,000
IMAGE CREDITS | HASSELL + Populous
Public Realm Master Plan: HASSELL
