Moore Park has been flagged as an alternative venue for medium events if the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre (SCEC) closes its doors, but an appropriate step-in for larger events is yet to be found.
While the final word is yet to be delivered on whether the SCEC will close its doors for three years, alternative venues topped the agenda of a redevelopment update, held by the Exhibition and Event Association of Australia last Friday.
Following detailed site inspections, Moore Park has been identified as a “suitable option” for small meetings and exhibitions, with White Bay and Glebe Island also on the cards.
But with limited space allowing Moore Park to host only medium-scale events, EEAA general manager Joyce DiMascio confirmed that an alternative for larger events was yet to be identified.
“There are constraints around Moore Park and as such we need to find alternative sites for large events. We are continuing site inspections to find an alternative but yet to find a solution,” DiMascio told The Nibbler.
With some 65 events planned at the SCEC over the next three years, DiMascio said the 80 industry professionals who attended Friday’s update expressed a “strong appetite” for the issue to be resolved.
“The feedback we are hearing is that the industry wants the government to announce its decisions on the SCEC redevelopment promptly, to resolve issues on alternative venues and get on with the job,” she said.
DiMascio admitted there was some work ahead, but stressed that progress was being made. For instance, the use of Sydney Olympic Park was being considered and temporary precincts at Barangaroo are also under consideration, she said.
“Some very positive things are happening, and the government is committed to retaining as much business because they realize how much it contributes to the economy and the state,” DiMascio said.
The government is expected to deliver its final decision on the SCEC redevelopment in the coming weeks.
