The complex opened in 1988 as part of an urban renewal and redevelopment of the Darling Harbour area during the period.

During those games, the venue played host to the boxing, fencing, judo, weightlifting, and wrestling competitions.

The SC&EC was used as a conference and convention venue and to hold exhibitions, as well as hosting various smaller events such as weddings and meetings.

[2]The SC&EC was a key meeting venue of APEC Australia 2007 in September, 2007 when the political leaders of the 21 member states of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation met.

[3] The 1989 Australian Institute of Architects Sir John Sulman Medal for Public Architecture was jointly awarded to Philip Cox Richardson Taylor Partners for the SC&EC.