International Convention Centre

by Hassell Studio

This project was part of the new architectural redesign of Sydney’s International Convention Centre.

The remaking of Darling Harbour and the International Convention Centre was a rare opportunity to design a significant new quarter within the central city.

The International Convention Centre (ICC) was a joint design project by Hassell Studio and Populous Architecture to create a new integrated convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct in Darling Harbour, Sydney.

Design by Hassell also included the extensive public realm, pedestrian parkland and plaza environments surrounding the ICC.

The project involved a transformation of the original ICC, to create a more modern and open space, which would house some of Sydney’s best events.

Design includes a convention facility with capacity for three concurrent events of up to 2,500 delegates. An exhibition space of 40,000 sqm, a 5,000 sqm external event deck with spectacular city views. A plenary hall, which can be converted to an entertainment theatre seating 8,000, and a grand ballroom with banqueting space for 2,000 people.

An upgrade to the surrounding public parklands and open space was also created, which creates a friendly environment for family and friends to gather, dine and relax in.

This new space both within the ICC and the surrounding grounds extends the urban fabric and reconnects the city and surrounds with more permeable networks of streets and lanes, bringing a new level of public amenity for visitors and citizens alike through extended public parkland that is identifiably ‘Sydney’ in character.

Photography by Mark Skye.

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