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A Decade of Distinction: ICC Sydney Proves the Enduring Power of Design

11 Nov 2026

Ten years after opening, International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) at Darling Harbour continues to evolve as a world-class destination for entertainment, events and everyday city life – demonstrating that the true measure of successful venue design is how a place performs long after opening day.

The three major venues – ICC Sydney Convention Centre, ICC Sydney Exhibition Centre and TikTok Entertainment Centre (formerly ICC Sydney Theatre) – are designed by Hassell and Populous and sit within a 250,000-sqm precinct of public spaces, parks, pedestrian connections and waterfront destinations.

The design has helped transform one of the city’s most significant harbour venues into a vibrant, connected and adaptable precinct for Sydneysiders and visitors.

Beyond the buildings, the precinct’s master plan, landscape and public realm, designed by Hassell, create the spaces and connections that bring the venues together and connect them to Darling Harbour and the surrounding city. Public space increased by 30% and 9,000 square metres of green space was added for visitors to enjoy. The venues host an extraordinary programme of international conferences, exhibitions, concerts and performances, welcoming some of the world’s leading artists, entertainers and cultural events. However, the spaces between the buildings have developed their own identities and uses.

A pedestrian connection between the Exhibition Centre and TikTok Entertainment Centre has evolved into an informal home for Sydney’s dance community, named formally as Moriarty Walk, but known widely as Dancers’ Alley. What began as an important part of the public realm’s connectivity, is now a place where dancers rehearse, meet and perform.

For the design teams, this kind of evolution is a significant measure of successful venue design.

“Our aim was to create a precinct that could accommodate major events and international audiences, while also becoming part of the everyday life of Sydney. Ten years on, seeing people continually find new ways to use and inhabit these spaces is one of the most rewarding measures of its success.” – Glenn Scott, Principal, Hassell.

“The ambition was always to create a destination that enhances the lives of the people who work, live and play within the ICC precinct.  It was about creating more than individual venues and recognising the functional requirements expected of ICC Sydney.  It is connected and promotes the city of Sydney, university and cultural areas; able to accommodate the intensity of major events while promoting a sense of place as a welcoming and accessible part of this amazing, global city.” – Richard Breslin, Managing Director, APAC Populous.

“ICC Sydney’s anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the people, partnerships and progress that have defined the venue’s first decade. Together with our clients, partners and team members, we attract global knowledge, drive economic growth, support employment, foster innovation and strengthen communities – all underscored by this unparalleled events destination. The design and architecture of the venue and precinct is a source of immense pride, and continues to inspire future innovations, experiences and positive outcomes that make a difference.”  – Adam Mather-Brown, Chief Executive Officer, ICC Sydney.

The precinct’s success lies in its ability to operate at multiple scales and speeds. On any given day, thousands of people can move through its spaces for an international conference, exhibition, concert or performance, while others use the public areas to meet friends, walk, eat, rehearse, gather or simply move through the city.

ICC Sydney represents a significant transformation of Darling Harbour, strengthening pedestrian and civic connections between the waterfront, the CBD and surrounding neighbourhoods. The integration of landscape and public realm with the venues helps create a more open and connected destination, with public spaces designed to support activity before, during and after major events. That connection extends beyond the movement of people through the precinct. Major events unfold alongside the everyday life of Tumbalong Park, where conference delegates, families and visitors share the same unique public spaces.

Ten years on, ICC Sydney remains one of Australia’s most successful integrated venue precincts, continuing to evolve with the city and people it serves.

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