Mulpha Australia Limited – owner of InterContinental Sydney – has expressed delight at having received approval this week for its proposed $203 million revamp of the 509-room hotel which will incorporate the roof above the adjacent Transport House.
Approved was provided by the NSW Government Independent Planning Commission (IPC), which assessed the proposal despite it having received objections by the City of Sydney Council, which took issue with impacts to heritage and visual design along with amenity issues.
Drawing on the space available above the NSW Heritage-listed Transport House, Mulpha plans to develop an outward addition to InterContinental Sydney, within which it will develop new hotel rooms. Levels 10-12 would then be converted into a new Grand Ballroom, directly above a new Wellness Centre on Level 9. The impact will result in a decrease in the property’s overall hotel room count from 509 to 492.
The new Grand Ballroom will be capable of hosting cocktail events with a capacity of at least 900 people, or sit-down dinners for a minimum of 500.
Higher up, alterations will be made to the roof of the hotel tower, which sits directly above the hotel’s Club Lounge on Level 32. Further alterations and upgrades will also be carried out on the Heritage-listed areas at lobby level.
In its assessment, the Commission concluded the development would not impact significantly on views and that overshadowing affects on the nearby Botanic Gardens would be minimal. Future redevelopment of the nearby Sir Stamford Circular Quay site would also not be impacted.
Gabrielle Salter, Mulpha Australia General Manager, Marketing, told HM it was excited at the positive planning outcome for InterContinental Sydney.
“Mulpha is excited by the positive planning outcome for InterContinental Sydney and is committed to delivering an iconic integrated Ballroom and five-star hotel that will re-enforce Sydney’s position as a global corporate, group and tourism destination.
“The significant investment proposed will truly embed the hotel as Sydney’s premier place to stay and with the extensive works already underway at the Circular Quay end of the City, we very much look forward to the new vibrancy and excitement being brought to Sydney”