InterContinental Sydney’s $110 million relaunch set for September

InterContinental Sydney will relaunch in September this year following a transformation worth over $100 million.

The luxury hotel, which first opened its doors in 1985, has been undergoing extensive $110 million renovations since 2020 and is getting ready to unveil its new product from September.

Local architecture studio Woods Bagot has redesigned the iconic hotel paying respect to its historic roots housed in Sydney’s restored Treasury Building, built in 1851.

External restoration work has been carried out to enhance elements of the façade, whilst the internal upgrade incorporates all 509 guest rooms and suites, plus public areas, which will include the introduction of two new vibrant bar experiences.

“We are thrilled to finally share more on what’s been happening behind closed doors these past two years,” said Jennifer Brown, general manager of InterContinental Sydney.

“The reimagination of Sydney’s most iconic heritage hotel redefines the contemporary luxury hotel experience whilst paying homage to the building’s rich past and its many unique stories. This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the hotel.

“Together with our owners, Mulpha, we are proud to have elevated this very special place.”

InterContinental Sydney’s new design is a contemporary interpretation of the building’s historical significance and evolution, as well as its prestigious location on the doorstep of Sydney Royal Botanic Garden and Circular Quay.

The building’s existing material is being maintained whilst innovative touches, new fine food and beverage experiences and an updated colour palette will breathe new life into the classical architecture.

“An extremely meticulous design process was required to ensure the heritage buildings have been honoured and the new adaptions respectfully integrated. The redesign celebrates the beauty of the original architecture, whilst respectfully adapting areas to create a new reception, rooms, bars and restaurants,” Tracey Wiles, Woods Bagot’s regional interior design leader said.

“We celebrate the building’s historic past, elevating the luxury of InterContinental Sydney and providing a welcoming retreat in the heart of the city.”

The hotel’s guest rooms are inspired by the property’s surrounding landscape, drawing green and blue hues from the adjacent gardens and harbour through picture-frame windows, the redesign creates a connection and uninterrupted flow from indoor to outdoor.

King Opera House Room, InterContinental Sydney (supplied)

The quintessential Australian elements of water, sand, wood and sky, have also been incorporated, adding transparency, texture and tonal warmth and creating a homely and relaxing environment for guests to retreat.

At the heart of the hotel, a new lobby bar will deliver an immersive experience that engenders memories of the outdoor space of the past, whilst still enclosed in the original brick walls of the Treasury Building.

InterContinental Sydney’s rooftop space on Level 32 will also transform, with a signature bar and reimagined outdoor terrace showcasing views across Sydney’s skyline.

The hotel has remained open to guests throughout the renovation with limited access to public spaces whilst undergoing its redesign.

Featured image: sydney.intercontinental.com

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