Interview: Kristian Nicholls, general manager business development Sydney Business Events

Does Sydney's business district manage to attract people outside office hours?

Kristian Nicholls : The majority of the population leave the CBD in the evening, but things are changing. There are a lot more festivals organised in the city, cultural events and gastronomic gatherings that encourage people to stay in the area after work. Of course, Sydney isn't New York, but every time you visit, you'll discover new places emerging.

What new projects are being developed in Sydney?

K. N. Our ambition is to become a major hub in the Asia-Pacific region. Work began two years ago in the Barangaroo district to strengthen Sydney's reputation as a tertiary centre, while integrating a residential and commercial dimension. The aim is to bring this part of the city back to the people, with restaurants, bars and jogging paths. The other major project concerns the area around the future convention centre, ICC Sydney, which is due to open in late 2016.

How is quality of life a 'selling point'?

K. N. : In other major economic metropolises, you'll never see a blue sky like this, such greenery... That's why Sydney is such a popular destination for business travellers and convention-goers. Bleisure is a trend we'll be looking to capitalise on. Travellers spend a lot of time coming to Sydney. They might as well take the opportunity to see something other than hotels and meeting rooms! The government also wants to make Sydney an international talent hub. We want to attract the brightest minds in the world to contribute to the development of our city, its economy and innovation.

Also in this issue: Sydney CBD: The theory of evolution