Darling Harbour Live

Darling Harbour Live, comprising Lendlease, Hostplus, Capella Capital, AEG Ogden and Spotless, has partnered with the NSW Government to deliver the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) – a multi-billion dollar redevelopment of the Sydney International Convention, Exhibition & Entertainment Precinct.

The three building projects are being managed and coordinated simultaneously. A.G. Coombs used its sophisticated Building Information Modelling (BIM) software and capability to complete the design and support the construction of the mechanical and HVAC systems across the three buildings. Key challenges in design included space restriction issues in the ICC Sydney facility, effectively managed through the BIM process, and acoustics in the theatre, enhanced by the selected new HVAC system.

A.G. Coombs’ site preparation works included the draining of all water systems, reclaiming of refrigerant in all systems across the site, retention of pipework, fans and ductwork in the Convention Centre for temporary site accommodation, and the retention of underfloor plenums and ductwork where possible in the existing Theatre. Air handling, air diffusion and central chiller plant strategies have also been devised, which consider redundancy allowances, architectural design requirements, and the targeted LEED Gold environmental rating for the new complex.

In support of the planned LEED rating, the site also has a very large 17MW central cooling plant with multiple chillers in a series counterflow arrangement for energy efficiency and operational reliability. Underfloor displacement systems have been chosen to provide optimal comfort conditions for attendees within the theatre type spaces, and passive heat pipe technology is used to provide low energy dehumidification for these systems.

Construction works are in progress, with the facilities set to open late in 2016.