The Committee agreed the State Significant Development Application submitted by developer Holdmark Property Group demonstrates ‘design excellence’, delegating final approval to the City of Sydney CEO pending the agreement of Sydney Metro and exhibiting a Draft Deed of Variation to the Planning Agreement.

Woods Bagot won a City of Sydney design competition for the site in 2019, which three years later was acquired by Holdmark as part of its diversification into commercial, retail and luxury hotel developments.

The sculptural building features a 421-room luxury hotel, crowned by a stunning rooftop bar and restaurant 200 metres above the ground.

It also includes a podium housing retail/hospitality, conference and function facilities; premium office space, co-working spaces and meeting rooms plus hotel amenities including a pool, outdoor terrace and gym.

Woods Bagot Principal and project design leader, Ian Lomas, said the hotel’s design is pure Sydney.

“The building is anchored in the tectonics of place, in its response to environment and has a timeless sculptural quality,” Mr Lomas said.

“I wouldn’t do this design elsewhere – it’s uniquely Sydney and driven wholly by the site, the light, aspect and environment.”

Kevin Nassif, Chief Operating Officer of Holdmark, said he was delighted with the planning milestone.

“This is a major city-shaping project that will inject new life into Sydney’s commercial centre and deliver contemporary, world-class hotel accommodation in the heart of the CBD,” Mr Nassif said.

Holdmark has entered into a planning agreement with the City of Sydney to deliver environmental excellence initiatives including a minimum 4.5-star NABERS energy rating for the building.

Pending final approval, Holdmark will proceed to detailed construction drawings for the site and a global tender process for the operation of the hotel.

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