The NSW Government’s decision to call for tenders from the private sector to construct an interim exhibition and convention centre space at Glebe Island “will allow industry demand to be met”, the General Manager of the Tourism Industry Council NSW, Andrew Jefferies has said.

The decision, announced by the Planning Minister, Brad Hazzard will see the construction of a new 15,000 square metre air conditioned exhibition pavilion with a further 10,000 square metres available for exhibitors and trade shows. Planned for delivery by the end of 2013 and operate for up to three years throughout the regeneration of the Sydney International Convention, Exhibition & Entertainment Precinct at Darling Harbour, the interim facility will enable the exhibition industry, a generator of more than $100 million each year to the New South Wales Visitor Economy to continue to grow and meet demand.

“The announcement is good news for our state’s event industry and provides some certainty throughout the reconstruction phase of Darling Harbour.  Many leaders within the industry have been calling for an interim facility to meet demand throughout this period so that we don’t lose business to interstate or overseas destinations. Therefore, this is a wise decision that indicates the Government is  listening”, Mr Jefferies said.

Infrastructure NSW, as part of the delivery of the new Darling Harbour precinct, will issue an RFP (Request for Proposals) for companies interested in designing, constructing, operating and later removing the interim facility. The proposals will also include event related facilities such as cafes and restaurants to meet industry needs.