The construction of the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney Hotel, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour is now underway following a concrete pouring ceremony onsite today (30 July) with NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres, owner/investor Dr Jerry Schwartz, developer Lendlease and operator AccorHotels.
Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour is part of the NSW State Government’s AUD$3.4 billion transformation of the Darling Harbour precinct and once built, the 35 storey, circa 600-room hotel will become Sydney’s first, major, new-build 5-star hotel for 15 years.
The Sofitel is due for completion in the third quarter of 2017.
“We look forward to welcoming Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour to our luxury Sofitel portfolio,” said AccorHotels Chief Operating Officer Pacific, Simon McGrath.
“The new hotel will offer exceptional quality accommodation that Sydney’s tourism economy crucially needs and its iconic location and cutting-edge design will see the hotel become the city’s most popular luxury address.
“We are honoured to be managing Dr Schwartz’s most significant hotel project in Australia and look forward to welcoming guests to Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour in 2017.”
Dr Schwartz said: “This will be a pioneering hotel that plays a crucial role in winning major conferences and events for Sydney. There has been a growing chorus calling for new, high-quality 5-star accommodation to help Sydney compete with destinations in Asia and elsewhere, and I believe that when the Sofitel opens it will become a landmark, setting new standards for luxury hotels in the city.”
The hotel is being developed, designed and constructed by property and infrastructure group Lendlease who engaged internationally renowned Sydney architect Richard Francis-Jones, from Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp (FJMT). Once open, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour will boast panoramic harbour and city views, a rooftop Club Lounge, outdoor pool deck, extensive food and beverage and meeting facilities including a large ballroom.