NSW Government abandons negotiations for Glebe Island Expo

The NSW Government has terminated negotiations with the Sydney Harbour Expo consortium for the creation of temporary exhibition facilities at Glebe Island during the construction of the new International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney).

Negotiations between the Sydney Harbour Expo@Glebe Island consortium (made up of Pages Hire and the Echo Entertainment Group) and Infrastructure NSW were terminated on Tuesday (21st May).

In December last year, the consortium beat four other bidders to build and operate the temporary exhibition venue, which will host events from late 2013 to late 2016 during the construction of ICC Sydney.

Now the NSW Government has just a short period in which to negotiate for a replacement venue that will is expected to attract more than 500,000 visitors a year and generate more than $100 million in economic benefit each year.

The NSW Government has not divulged why it terminated the contract with the consortium.

Exhibition & Event Association of Australasia's (EEAA) Chief Executive Joyce DiMascio said she was concerned that six months had been lost in what was an already tight construction schedule.

The EEAA is demanding that the new facility opens on time and there be no increase in prices charged for use of the centre after the collapse of the original negotiations.

The EEAA is demanding that the new facility opens on time and there be no increase in prices charged for use of the centre after the collapse of the original negotiations.

In a statement to Association members, DiMascio wrote "we are most concerned about these developments and will be working with the Government and Infrastructure NSW to ensure their commitment to delivering a suitable temporary site during the redevelopment of Darling Harbour is honoured."

The new venue received planning approval at the beginning of May.

11th May 2013 - GLEBE ISLAND EXPO GETS PLANNING APPROVAL 

3rd December 2012 - TENDERS SUBMITTED FOR GLEBE ISLAND EXPO

18th September 2012 - GLEBE ISLAND TO BECOME INTERIM SYDNEY EXHIBITION VENUE 

27th August 2010 - BUSINESS GROUP CALLS FOR THE DEMOLITION OF THE SEC