Sydney Entertainment Centre To Be Knocked Down In 2013

Barry O’Farrell has announced today that one of Sydney’s largest venues, the Sydney Entertainment Centre, will be knocked down next year for a complete renovation. The project is said to cost close to $1 billion and is aimed at giving the Darling Harbour area a refreshed look. Locals have been complaining about the poor quality of the area for some time.

The Sydney Entertainment Centre will be home to some of Sydney’s biggest concerts this year, including Radiohead, The Black Keys and Florence + The Machine.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the project will create up to 3,500 jobs through construction alone as construction takes place over 2013-2016. O’Farrell told the media that Sydney has lost a large amount of exhibitions and shows because of the poor facilities. “NSW has already lost $150 million in economic benefit over the four years to 2010-11 because the current facilities have not been able to accommodate 169 conventions and 12 exhibitions,” he said.

Continuing: “The NSW government is creating a vibrant world-class convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct at Darling Harbour that will keep Sydney centre-stage as Australia’s global city,”.

It seems that come construction time in late 2013, all large scale shows will be moved to Allphones Arena (Acer Arena).

The current Entertainment Centre cost $42 million to build and was opened in 1983

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