The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) has welcomed the NSW Government’s invitation to industry to provide feedback on its design concepts for the new Sydney International Convention and Entertainment Centre.

During the consultation phase, EEAA will provide direct input to Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority to ensure that the needs and insights of major users of the proposed facilities are considered during the design planning phase.

“Not only has the Government delivered on its pre-election promise to develop plans quickly for a new facility, it is also actively encouraging feedback from the future centre’s users, which is to be greatly commended,” said Matthew Pearce, President, EEAA.

However, Pearce said it was also important that the plans be considered as part of a two-precinct policy for Sydney, and that this would be high on the association’s agenda when it undertakes its review.

“EEAA will be keen to see how the new exhibition centre design will complement the current upgrading of facilities at Sydney Showground. It is vital that the interests of both locations – and the events which will take place at them – are served.”

It is envisaged that construction work will begin on the new Centre in September 2012, to be completed by 2015.