News: a team made up of architecture firms OMA, Hassell and Populous has been selected to redevelop Sydney's convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct at Darling Harbour (+ slideshow).

Above: International Convention Centre

The Destination Sydney team, lead by developers Lend Lease, were today announced as the winning bidders with their plans to create a 40,000-square-metre exhibition centre, a red-carpet entertainment venue, a 900-room hotel and a new residential neighbourhood.

Dutch architects OMA will work alongside Hassell of Sydney, international firm Populous and Australian architects Denton Corker Marshall to deliver the 20-hectare masterplan, adding the new leisure complex to the north of Pier Street and new residential neighbourhood The Haymarket on the site of the existing Sydney Entertainment Centre and car park.

Above: the theatre

"This project will redefine Sydney as a global city and create one of the world’s great meeting and entertainment destinations," commented Destination Sydney's chief executive Malcolm Macintyre. "Not only will it become a beacon for international visitors for conventions and events but will also build on the appeal of the Darling Harbour area for Sydney-siders creating an entertainment hub that promises to reconnect and re-energise the city."

A phased redevelopment will see the existing Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre close in December 2013, while the current Sydney Entertainment Centre will remain open until December 2015. Construction is set to complete in late 2016.

Above: The Haymarket neighbourhood by Denton Corker Marshall

Darling Harbour sit adjacent to Sydney's city centre and has established itself as a centre for entertainment on the western edge of the central business district. Other recent developments in the area include an office complex that was awarded at the World Architecture Festival.

OMA have completed a number of projects over the last year, including the China Central Television Headquarters in Beijing and the headquarters of the Rothschild Bank in London.

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