Transformation of the Sydney Skyline

Sydney

Sydney is a global city on the move with a long list of exciting infrastructure developments, new public spaces and hotel openings and refurbishments.

The NSW Government is partnering with Darling Harbour Live and Lend Lease to deliver a 20-hectare, $3.4 billion transformation of Darling Harbour. The project includes Australia’s premier integrated convention, exhibition and events destination, the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), and includes expanded public space, a luxury hotel and a new city neighbourhood. Due to open in December 2016, the ICC Sydney will be at the heart of a waterfront precinct with restaurants, shopping and a vibrant public domain, generating approximately $200 million each year in economic benefit for NSW; a total of $5 billion to the state over 25 years.

A major development plan for Sydney Airport includes ground transport improvements for the T2/T3 precinct that will streamline traffic flow, a purpose-built ground transport interchange to accommodate public buses, coaches and cars, and expanded pedestrian and cycle infrastructure to encourage active transport and improve safety. To minimise disruption, the works will be staged over 20 months with the first completed areas to open towards the end of 2015. In addition, more check-in capacity, improved passenger circulation and a new food court will open in 2015 and 2016 as part of a major transformation of Sydney Airport’s T1 landside departures area, which will see check-in counters extended to accommodate more passengers as well as more places to eat.

Barangaroo is a major new central Sydney development located on a 22-hectare site on the western harbour foreshore of the CBD, destined to become the city’s financial and business hub, reborn as a thriving public, residential and commercial precinct with a waterfront promenade, running the length of the site. Incorporating a major new Headland Park, Barangaroo is an ambitious and significant waterfront redevelopment, with projections estimating over time 23,000 people will live and work at Barangaroo, while 33,000 people are expected to visit Barangaroo each day by 2022.

Refurbishments, new openings and developments have featured recently on Sydney’s hotel scene. In The Rocks, The Langham Sydney reopened in late 2014 following a $30m refurbishment, which included a new-look lobby, stunning dining areas, guestrooms and ballroom. Just last month, the hotel was ranked by luxury US connoisseur publication, Robb Report, as being one of the ‘Top 100 Hotels In The World’, and Gourmet Traveller named them ‘New Hotel Of The Year’ at the 2015 Gourmet Traveller Hotel Awards. Four Points by Sheraton Sydney has been undergoing a $160M redevelopment as part of the revitalisation of the Darling Harbour precinct. The 683-room hotel is already the largest property in Sydney, and the addition of a new tower will provide 222 extra rooms, new conference facilities and food and beverage options. Set to launch as a new 62-room boutique design hotel in August 2015, Chippendale’s The Old Clare Hotel and Carlton United Brewery Administration Building are currently undergoing a multimillion-dollar overhaul, complete with 62 rooms and suites, a rooftop retreat and several signature restaurants. At Barangaroo South, the six-star Crown Sydney will be a world-class hotel featuring 350 rooms and suites, luxury apartments, signature restaurants, bars, luxury retail outlets, pool and spa facilities, conference rooms and VIP gaming facilities