“The Entertainment Quarter is in one of Australia’s best entertainment precincts, however it is falling far short of meeting its full potential,” said the NSW Premier, Chris Minns.
“We want to turn the EQ into a thriving world-class precinct, full of dining and entertainment options, complete with a brand new venue that can host between 15,000 – 20,000 for live music and public events.
“The new EQ entertainment precinct would provide another world-class venue for great home grown artists and international acts to perform at.”
The government will be looking for proposals that also better integrate the Entertainment Quarter into its surrounds which comprise the parklands of Centennial Park, Sydney Cricket Ground, Allianz Stadium and Hordern Pavilion.
While the redevelopment appears focussed on creating spaces for major events, it will likely also yield new possibilities for business events.
The government says the current lease on the site is in place until 2046 at the latest and “while no decision has been made in relation to the existing lease, this open tender process will allow all parties to put forward proposals to redevelop the precinct”.
The current leaseholder, Carsingha Investments, put forward a proposal for redevelopment previously, but nothing has come of it. It has confirmed that it will submit in the forthcoming tender process which is expected to open soon and run through 2025.
A redevelopment of the Entertainment Quarter has support from the state opposition party, Sydney’s Lord Mayor, Clover Moore, and the city’s chamber of commerce, Business Sydney.
