Hotel investor and philanthropist Dr Jerry Schwartz last night hosted a grand celebration to mark the official transfer of ownership of his 13th and newest hotel – Four Points by Sheraton Sydney Central Park- from developers Frasers Property Australia and Sekisui House.
The 18-storey property, officially completed in August, is situated on the site of the Old Kent Brewery in what is now the flourishing and regenerated Broadway district at the southern end of the CBD. Facilities include 252 rooms and 45 suites along with a fitness centre, seven meeting rooms and nearly 6,000 square metres of total function space. Two restaurants serving modern Australian fare – Malt and Central Quarter – are open for lunch and dinner daily, the latter also serving breakfast.
Grand opening proceedings at the new Four Points by Sheraton Sydney Central Park included the attendance of NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Adam Marshall. In addition, a customary blessing was conducted by Schwartz family pastor and friend Brother Dan, who expressed his gratitude for the plethora of charitable endeavours underway through The Schwartz Foundation.
Representatives from nearly 20 different charities were in attendance at the function, all beneficiaries of fundraising activities and each using up to 12 hotel room nights at the new Four Points donated by Dr Schwartz during the hotel’s soft opening period. Donated room nights were used for a variety of fundraising purposes – some were raffled off or auctioned, others were used to reward loyal individuals working with a charity for their ongoing work and others in a variety of other ways.
Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation Program Liaison Manager Tanya Sarina said the rooms donated by Dr Schwartz had helped it raise over $250,000 to support its work providing services to nearly 70,000 sick children who visit the hospital for treatment each year, and their families. Together, all charities managed to raise over $350k for their respective causes.
Separately, Dr Schwartz has donated the profits from the first night’s takings to Australia’s struggling farmers in an effort which is expected to raise $15,000 and over for the Aussie Helpers organisation.
Speaking at the launch, Dr Schwartz deflected attention from himself and onto the representatives of the worthy charities in attendance.
“I find it’s not only a marketing thing to have such a momentous opening to a hotel, but it’s really good karma.
“There are so many charities, so many different things that need to be improved upon, whether it be health, or whether it be children, or whether it be transportation. There is a charity for each of them. It’s so hard to be the most worthwhile charity, because all your charities are so worthwhile.
“It’s not only about raising money, but it’s also giving rooms to people that have been so good to you.”
Minister Adam Marshall said developments such as the new hotel were critical to the state’s visitor economy.
“When occupancy rates at hotels across the board in Sydney are in the 90 per cents, an extra 300 keys which this hotel brings are absolutely vital, right at the perfect time.
“You can see with all the developments that are happening in and around this hotel, this is a real positive sign for how Sydney is growing out beyond the CBD. I think this is a very wise investment, and a very well located new investment. A new hotel for New South Wales and the district economy.”