The centre will be the largest and most comprehensive conference and exhibition facility in the Hunter Valley and includes elements inspired by the former Sydney Convention Centre, with four of its 14-metre pylons standing tall around the new venue. 

Leading architect Michael Munro said that design of the centre offers an impressive contrast between contemporary architecture and the Hunter region’s natural landscape.  

“The idea for the re-use of the Darling Harbour pylons came from the client and they provide a contrast to the strong horizontal lines of the building,” he said. 

“Given the picturesque setting, the central galleria links the existing exhibition space to the new function rooms which open out to the surrounding landscaped areas.”

Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley general manager, Robert Coates, said that that new centre is gearing up for a thrilling launch, and a busy schedule of events heading into the New Year. 

“It’s a very exciting time for our resort, for locals wanting a stunning new venue to host their weddings and events, and of course for domestic and international groups with discerning tastes for a unique business event offering,” he said. 

“Our first function is booked for February 2015, and it will be full steam ahead from then on.”

The Crowne Plaza hopes that the conference and events centre will take the regions expanding industry forward in leaps and bounds, with the inclusion of a combined 2,000 square metres of pre-function, meeting and exhibition space available.