Waldorf Astoria Hotels to launch in Australia

The Waldorf Astoria ­Hotels and Resorts chain will finally reach Australian shores, opening a new hotel at Circular Quay in Sydney on the former Goldfields House site.

The property is currently owned by AWH Investment Group.

AWH has commissioned early works on the site in readiness for tender works on a landmark hotel and luxury apartment scheme.

The hotel is expected to be completed in 2024 and will be part of the One Circular Quay project.

The project has changed owners twice since its launch by ­Chinese development company Wanda and was previously owned by politically connected donor Yuhu, whose founder

is controversial businessman and political donor Huang Xiangmo, who was barred from Australia.

Shortly after being banned from the country, Mr Xiangmo sold his half-share in One Circular Quay, and the three-tower Jewel apartment project on the Gold Coast, for $575 million.

Original design plans put forward by Crone Architects, as principal architect on the overall project, and Japan’s Kengo Kuma and Associates, saw the approval of a five star hotel included 28 levels and 181 rooms.

This has now been expanded to include 220 rooms and a larger level-25 rooftop bar.

A double-height presidential suite will also be reinstated.

Access to the top levels of the hotel will ensure the public will be able to take in the magnificent views on offer.

AWH is also looking to relaunch the residential side of the Sydney project: a 60-storey glass and stone residential building designed by Kerry Hill Architects.

A boon in residential living is expected as international borders open up post pandemic.

Work is already underway on the site.

Irit Jackson, 6th May 2021