For some time now a proposal has been in consideration to redevelop the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Sydney Entertainment Centre and surrounding precinct, including, Tumbalong Park. Yesterday the announcement that this project will go ahead was made in a press-release from the NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell.
Reed Exhibitions has been aware of these plans and has been part of the consultation process with the NSW government, Infrastructure New South Wales, and the Exhibitions & Events Association of Australia (EEAA).
This is tremendously exciting and important news for the exhibition and events industry in NSW. The $1 billion investment represents a serious commitment to the industry by the state government and Reed Exhibitions is fully supportive of the initiative to provide a truly world class exhibition and conference facility in Sydney.
During the redevelopment the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre will be closed from the end of 2013 and reopen in 2016. In consultation with Reed Exhibitions and the wider events community, the government has acknowledged the importance of existing exhibitions and conferences to both Sydney and the state of NSW and is working with us on business continuity plans which include alternative venues for these events during the redevelopment period.
Rest assured, we are fully involved in the discussions on alternative venues and are proactively communicating, on behalf of all our customers, with all the parties involved.
Pleasingly, these organisations have demonstrated a commitment to helping us ensure there is minimal disruption to existing events. We expect to be in a position to provide detailed plans on alternative venues in the second half of 2012.
It will be business as usual for all Reed Exhibitions Events during the redevelopment period.
This is the start of an exciting journey. No doubt there will be challenges along the way but I speak on behalf of the entire team when I say we are 100% committed to working with every one of our customers to ensure that it's business as usual for every event.
In 3 years time I expect to be writing to you in anticipation of the opening of the brand new Sydney International Exhibition, Entertainment and Convention Centre, a world class home for our world class events.
I will share any further news with you as it is confirmed but in the mean time please feel free to approach us directly with any questions or concerns.
Yours sincerely,
Debbie Evans
Managing Director
Reed Exhibitions Australia
Key Contacts
Reed Gift Fairs
Steve Steenson, Exhibition Director
Steve.steenson@reedexhibitions.com.au