$200 million facelift for the InterContinental
Mulpha Australia, the owner of the InterContinental Hotel, Sydney, will give the city’s landmark hotel a $200 million-plus transformation.
The refurbishment will include a proposed grand ballroom, complete with a glass wall, giving guests view of Circular Quay and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, all adding to Sydney’s conference space.
The upgrades will cover all existing public areas. These include functions rooms, restaurants and 509 guest rooms and a new, 900-square metre grand ballroom.
Mulpha Australia chief executive Greg Shaw told the Sydney Morning Herald that the plan was to "preserve and enhance the position of the InterContinental Sydney as the city's best located five-star property".
It would also boost Sydney's international tourism infrastructure and appeal to host major events.
"With the proposal expected to go on public exhibition shortly, Mulpha will continue consultations including with heritage, tourism, community and planning stakeholders to progress its application," Mr Shaw told the newspaper.
All this comes at a time when the northern end of the city is going through a complete revamp and transformation.
AMP’s 50 Bridge Street office tower is getting new retail outlets and apartments as part of a $1 billion redevelopment.
Sydney’s wharf area is getting redeveloped and Sydney Harbour Marriott is getting a $15 million renovation of the ground-level reception and lobby, adding a new food and beverage concept.
At the same time, there’s the opening of Sydney’s new International Convention Centre.
Anticipating what’s ahead, the adjoining Sofitel Hotel, managed by AccorHotels, has boosted the need for hotel rooms, in what property analysts describe as an undersupplied market.
Colliers International says there’s been an increased demand for hotel rooms in Sydney and so many new developments have entered the market.
Mulpha’s plans have been lodged with the NSW Department of Planning and Environment as part of its Stage 1 State Significant Development application.
These plans are expected to go on public exhibition for comment shortly.
by Leon Gettler, February 23rd 2017
