Infrastructure NSW in new negotiations with Glebe Island Expo underbidders

Having terminated negotiations with the Sydney Harbour Expo consortium for the creation of temporary exhibition facilities at Glebe Island last week, the NSW Government is now in discussion with underbidders to provide the temporary exhibition venue, which will host events from late 2013 to late 2016 during the construction of ICC Sydney.

NSW Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner has reiterated the NSW Government's commitment to delivering interim exhibition facilities on Glebe Island in time for the 2014 exhibition season, stating "our Government's commitment remains to ensure an interim facility will be ready in time for the 2014 exhibition season, so there is no disruption to our events industry while the new world-class convention, exhibition and entertainment facilities at Darling Harbour are built."

While Infrastructure NSW has apparently begun negotiations with GL Events to build the new facility and operators AEG Ogden (underbidders during the December 2012 tender to build the venue), industry concerens have been raised about whether the venue will be completed on schedule and have even questioned whether the project will be abandoned.

The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) issued a statement expressing alarm that Infrastructure NSW (INSW) had terminated negotiations with Sydney Harbour Expo consortia.

The statement read "in the past four working days (to 27th May), the Association has met with INSW three times and received assurances that the facility can be built in time for the opening to the 2014 events calendar.

"On Thursday 23rd May 2013, 120 members of the EEAA heard from INSW Project Director Tim Parker who assured the industry the facility would be operating by January 2014.

"The Deputy Premier, Andrew Stoner also contacted the Association to reassure the industry that the Government was confident it would deliver the interim facility.

"While this assurance is welcomed, the Association is most concerned that six months has been lost in what was an already very tight construction schedule.

"We have been informed the Government has commenced negotiations with the under bidder, GL Events to build the facility and with operator, AEG Ogden which is the company that will operate the new centre at Darling Harbour."

EEAA Chief Executive Joyce DiMascio went on to explain that the Association's focus was on ensuring that the Government delivers a facility that opens on time, that is at least 25,000 metre2 of quality semi-permanent structures of a consistent standard and not hospitality tents and project staff with the competency to bring the project to a conclusion without increases in costs or additional funding resources.

DiMascio concluded "today (Monday 27th May), the EEAA met with Infrastructure NSW, GL Events, AEG Ogden and APP for an update on the project and to give industry the opportunity to comment on the scenarios currently being proposed by INSW in order to meet the January 2014 opening deadline."