The Glebe Island Convention Centre nearing completion. Source: News Corp Australia
YOU'VE seen glimpses on the silver screen but now Sydney's most under-utilised view is almost ready to show off.
Slaughterhouses, grain silos and imported cars all called it home over time, but now the last industrial hub on the harbour will finally have a chance to show a different side of the city to more than 300,000 vendors, buyers and trade show workers a year.
The Glebe Island Convention Centre nearing completion which will serve Sydney's exhibition and convention needs while the current centre in Darling Harbour is demolished and a new one built. Source: News Corp Australia
In just 10 weeks, a 20,000 sqm venue on the harbour has formed to take over Sydney's $100 million a year events and exhibitions industry as Darling Harbour is torn down and rebuilt, with demolition teams set to arrive from next Australia Day.
First used for public abattoirs in the 1800s and last used as a set on Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby, the transformation of Glebe Island into Sydney's newest exhibition centre is nearly done, with construction crews working to finish the new temporary exhibition centre and ferry wharf by February.
The Glebe Island Convention Centre nearing completion. Source: News Corp Australia
An exclusive tour inside yesterday revealed the new centre will show off one of Sydney's most seldom seen vantage points, boasting a view of the city's most famous bridges - Harbour, Glebe Island and Anzac.
Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner said it would only take seven months to transform the port into Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island, with an expecting opening in February.
"Early site works began in August and it has been amazing to see Sydney's newest event space emerge on Glebe Island since that time," Mr Stoner said.
The Glebe Island Convention Centre nearing completion. Source: News Corp Australia
"Our aim is to ensure the major events industry has a home while new world-class convention, exhibition and entertainment facilities are built at Darling Harbour during the next three years."
The US Military commandeered Glebe Island during World War 11 and it was used as a wheat terminal until 1990, and for imported motor vehicles until 2008.
Mr Stoner said the Darling Harbour facilities would generate about $200 million in economic benefit each year.
The Glebe Island Convention Centre nearing completion. Source: News Corp Australia
"Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island is about ensuring the industry remains healthy and poised to take advantage of the new facilities when they open in 2016," he said.
Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island general manager Malu Barrios said it was exciting to see it built on the harbour foreshore.
"It will be an appropriate, high-quality interim venue with incredible views of both the Harbour Bridge and the Anzac Bridge and the CBD," Ms Barrios said
Special event transport will be provided during events, with regular, scheduled ferry services from Darling Harbour and bus shuttle services from Central Station. A taxi rank has also been built on site.
Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia chief executive Joyce DiMascio said it was "reassuring to see the venue take shape".
"This augurs well for the rest of the building program including the construction of the ferry wharf," Ms DiMascio said.
The slab supporting the pavilion is 25,000sqm in area - 1000 trucks of concrete have been poured, spanning more than five football fields. More than six kilometres of footings are in place and when completed, the venue will be supported by 85,000 blocks.
The Glebe Island Convention Centre nearing completion. Source: News Corp Australia
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