The Star Sydney Announces Proposed Investment of $1Billion

The Star Sydney - an artist’s impression

The Star Sydney has announced details of the proposed $1 billion development plans set to transform the harbour-side property over the next five years, at the Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME).

With $500 million already committed to Phase 1 expansion plans which are already well underway, another $500 million will potentially be injected to further develop Sydney’s premier events and entertainment destination with the addition of a new hotel tower and a connected ribbon development. The ribbon development would feature numerous signature food and beverage offerings, as well as additional meeting spaces to support the property’s world-class Event Centre.

John Autelitano, General Manager of Hotels, The Star Sydney, explained that investment was key to ensuring the longevity of Sydney’s thriving tourism and business event industries.

“Continued strong growth in international travel has resulted in new records for Australian tourism; welcoming over 6.6 million international visitors in 2014/15, an increase of 7% on the previous period. For Sydney to remain at the forefront of this tourism boom, more accommodation, facilities and event spaces are required.

“We are seeking various approvals to develop a new hotel tower and ribbon development that would further enliven the Pyrmont precinct and boost The Star’s accommodation offering beyond 1000 rooms. We are planning to develop the project in a joint venture with our successful partners from the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane bid, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Far East Consortium. We are also in discussions with The Ritz-Carlton in relation to the branding of the proposed hotel tower and are excited about the prospect of bringing the Ritz-Carlton Hotel brand back to Sydney in order to even further add to the existing experiences on offer at The Star.

“The proposed $1 billion in development works would meet the growing demands of the business and leisure market, ensuring Sydney’s reputation for quality and luxury. This growth in Australia’s offering, in addition to strong international interest has the potential to boost overnight visitor expenditure in Australia to up to $140 billion annually by 2020,” concluded Mr Autelitano.

Phase 1 developments currently underway include the $130 million refurbishment of Astral Tower and Residences, set for completion in 2016, and will offer functional rooms and high end suites, new meeting rooms, and a comprehensive business centre. Plus the introduction of a new executive hotel club lounge to enhance the experience for business travellers.

The Star Sydney - an artist’s impression

The recently completed upgrade of The Darling hotel’s Spa included the addition of a mosaic aromatherapy heated steam room with a salt water Jacuzzi and a state-of-the-art fitness facility with one of Australia’s first Kinesis walls.

Other projects recently completed include an underground carpark upgrade with new wayfinding technology, a parking guidance system and increased directional and digital signage; new international gaming areas and VIP suites; new level 5 event plenary space within the Event Centre; and the refurbished Harvest Buffet restaurant.