Darling Harbour Live – Sydney International Convention Centre

Capella Capital has been instrumental in the Darling Harbour Live (DHL) consortium – including AEG Ogden, Spotless, HOSTPLUS and Lendlease – being awarded the Public Private Partnership (PPP) for the new Sydney International Convention, Exhibition and Entertainment Precinct (SICEEP).

Reaching completion ahead of schedule in December 2016 and within budget, DHL worked in partnership with the NSW Government to produce Australia’s largest convention and exhibition facilities, also launching Sydney’s largest red carpet entertainment venue.

Each of SICEEP’s three major buildings feature bespoke exterior and interior finishes designed by internationally renowned architects – with the distinct purpose to complement and enhance the special character inherent to Darling Harbour. Public domain works include the expansion of Tumbalong Park by 3,000m2, forming a new north-south Boulevard connecting to the harbour, and integration of public artworks specifically commissioned by local and international artists. There is also an internal pedestrian ‘super highway’ linking the Convention and Exhibition through to the Entertainment Centre.

As one of Australia’s largest solar arrays within a central business district, incorporated into the roof of the facilities, it is the first community-funded solar energy project of its kind in Australia.

Now successfully in the operations phase, DHL is responsible for financing, designing, constructing, operating and maintaining the SICEEP facilities, including the substantial upgrade to the harbourside public domain.

The Sydney International Convention Centre will reinstate Darling Harbour as Australia’s premier gathering place giving both local and international visitors a dynamic and vibrant precinct to experience and enjoy.

Key Features

  • Australia’s largest Ballroom able to accommodate 2,000 people in banquet mode and more than 3,500 in cocktail mode
  • 8,000 seat theatre at the Entertainment Centre, with maximum capacity of 9,000 in general admission mode
  • Three additional theatres that can seat 2,500, 1,000 and 800 people
  • 32,600m² of internal exhibition space plus a 2,400m2 multipurpose exhibition space
  • A 5,000m² outdoor Event Deck incorporating an outdoor lounge and bar area on the roof of the Exhibition Centre
  • 7,550m² of meeting space able to be split into 52 rooms plus additional meeting, VIP and business suites
  • PPP Awards – Best Operational Project 2017 – Gold Winner – Darling Harbour Live, International Convention Centre Sydney
  • IPA – National Infrastructure Awards 2017 – Project of the Year – International Convention Centre Sydney
  • IPA – National Infrastructure Awards 2014 – Winner Advisory Excellence – Capella Capital for Sydney International Convention, Exhibition and Entertainment Precinct

Project Size

$1.5b