Sydney could become home to a major new live performance venue to cater to major performances and events such as the city's annual Mardi Gras. An open tender process will soon be launched for the Entertainment Quarter, which could include plans for a 20,000-person venue along with additional restaurants and bars. A potential multibillion-dollar revamp of the site in the city's inner east would unlock the site's untapped potential, the NSW government said on Monday.
The key entertainment and sports precinct, neighbouring the Sydney Cricket Ground, Centennial Park and Allianz Stadium, could attract some of the state's biggest events, including the Royal Easter Show. The government was looking for proposals that would deliver extra creative space, including an indoor venue to host audiences of 15,000-20,000 people. That capacity would make it one of the largest venues in the city, on par with Qudos Bank Arena at Sydney Olympic Park and behind only major stadiums used as occasional concert spaces.
Premier Chris Minns said the announcement was part of a broader plan to bring people back to Sydney's city centre. "It is falling far short of meeting its full potential," he said on Monday. "We want to turn the EQ into a thriving world class precinct, full of dining and entertainment options, complete with a brand new venue.
" The lease on the precinct expires in 2046, but the government said it would begin the open tender process soon. The current lease for the site is held by Carsingh.
