Bold plan for Sydney Venues

The long-awaited report from NSW Major Events Corporation is recommending that the Sydney Entertainment Centre be demolished to make way for a multi-purpose entertainment/convention/theatre hub, and that the size of amenities at the Sydney Showground at Homebush be doubled.

The report, presented by NSW Major Events Corporation Chairman John O'Neill, suggests that Sydney has lost 494 events over the past four years because of capacity or availability problems and that Sydney's capacity to host international conventions is declining.

As a result, the NSW Government has begun looking at costings and a timetable for rebuilding the Sydney Entertainment Centre according to NSW Premier Morris Iemma, with Co-ordinator General, David Richmond examining the recommendations.

However, there are fears that Professor Richmond's report may be a long way off because of his other commitments.

Premier Iemma recently stated that Sydney needs to build on its reputation as a global city and aggressively chase international events.

Image: The Sydney Entertainment Centre.