The NSW Government says the Entertainment Quarter at Moore Park is no longer up to scratch. Photo: Destination NSW.
The NSW Government has opened the tender process for the revitalisation of the Entertainment Quarter (EQ) at Moore Park, hoping to kick-start a bright new future for the area.
Moore Park’s 10.96-hectare EQ is currently considered to be not meeting its potential as a hub for entertainment, sport and creative industries, something the government hopes to remedy with the right developer.
The EQ is next to the SCG and Allianz Stadium, within 300 metres of light rail and within walking distance of Centennial Park, giving it a prime position as an entertainment venue.
NSW’s Labor Government is hoping that the tender process will attract a developer with the vision to create a world-class space that will thrive into the future, supporting events, visitors and creatives.
“The NSW Government wants to see the EQ at Moore Park reach its full potential,” Premier Chris Minns said.
“We want to transform the EQ into a world-class precinct that Sydney can truly be proud of.”
All interested parties will be able to put forward their plans to redevelop the area.
The tender process, in particular, will seek proposals that:
- Deliver an activity hub that increases visitation year-round, including non-peak times such as midweek or night-time.
- Create areas that can host larger audiences for live performances, with the potential for a 15,000 to 20,000-person indoor arena.
- Celebrate the history and heritage of the site, integrating with the sports and entertainment precinct and parklands nearby.
The tender will be conducted openly and transparently with independent oversight to ensure that the state is given value for money and applicants have a fair opportunity to be heard.
Revitalising the space is in line with the government’s reforms, which aim to revamp the night-time economy after years of dormancy and cement NSW as a world-class destination for nightlife for travellers and locals.
Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy John Graham said: “We want to draw out world-class ideas that make the most of the great location and amplify 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 lockout era.”
To open the tender process, the government has secured an agreement from the current leaseholder, Carsingha Investments Pty Ltd, for a conditional exit from the current lease, which has a maximum-term expiration in 2046.
Tender responses must be submitted by Friday, 5 December. Information regarding submissions can be found on the government’s website.
