The Entertainment Quarter is a step closer with the NSW Government today opening the tender process for the revitalisation of the site, supported by a new long-term lease.
In a prime location, the Entertainment Quarter (EQ) at Moore Park sits alongside the SCG and Allianz Stadium, is 300 meters from the light rail, and is within walking distance of Centennial Park. The potential for the former Sydney Showgrounds site is immense.
Currently, the Government says the EQ is falling short of meeting its full potential as one of Sydney’s key hubs for entertainment, sport and creative industries.
“The NSW Government wants to see the EQ at Moore Park reach its full potential,” said Premier, Chris Minns.
“We will do this through a long-term lease, which will allow the successful proponent to make the necessary investments.
“We want to transform the EQ into a world-class precinct that Sydney can truly be proud of.”
The market is encouraged to submit their interest in delivering a world-class redevelopment of the EQ, ensuring it flourishes well into future, supporting more visitors, live performances and public events.
The process will allow all interested parties to put forward their plans to redevelop the precinct.
The open tender process will seek proposals that:
- Deliver a hub of activity, driving increased visitation all year round, including midweek and at night.
- Celebrate the history and cultural heritage of the site, integrating with the broader sports and entertainment precinct and parklands.
- Create spaces that can host substantial audiences for live performances, with the potential for an indoor arena of 15–20,000 seats as part of the vision.
“In opening the EOI process we’re getting closer to seeing entertainment at the Entertainment Quarter,” said Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy, John Graham.
“We want to draw out world-class ideas that make the most of the great location and amplifies its role as Sydney’s premier sports and entertainment precinct, with a range of day and night entertainment opportunities for the community.
“Sydney is crying out for a new large live music and performance space. Complementing the lifting of the concert cap at Centennial Park, a revitalised and vibrant Entertainment Quarter will help us continue to unshackle our entertainment culture from the dark days of the lock-out era.”
The process will be conducted openly and transparently, with independent probity oversight to ensure value for money and a fair opportunity for all proponents, the Government said in a statement announcing the tender.
Revitalising the 10.96 hectare site aligns with the Government’s vibrancy reforms and vision for the state’s night-time economy: to cement NSW as a world-class nightlife destination for visitors, locals and workers alike.
Tender responses must be submitted by Friday, 5 December.
To enable the open tender process, the NSW Government has secured agreement from the current leaseholder, Carsingha Investments Pty Ltd, for a conditional exit from its existing lease, which has a maximum term expiring in 2046.
“The expressions of interest and assessment process will make sure we are getting the best outcome possible for the people of NSW,” said Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully.
The tender process follows initial market soundings, along with stakeholder consultation to develop a framework to guide the evaluation of proposals.
To view the tender documentation and for more information on the opportunity to revitalise the EQ, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/investment-nsw/why-nsw/entertainment-quarter.
