Accor’s luxury Sofitel brand has been appointed to manage Sydney’s largest new hotel in 20 years, located next to Darling Harbour’s International Convention Centre (ICC).
Sydney’s tourism and business events are expected to get a major boosted from the 600 room hotel which is currently under construction next to the new International Convention Centre.
The Schwartz Family Company signed an agreement with developer Lend Lease to purchase the International Convention Centre Hotel which is due for completion in the second quarter of 2017.
The hotel will be the largest and most significant new build hotel in Sydney for over 20 years and will add to the new Darling Harbour conference, entertainment, leisure and business precinct, a re-development project of around $2.5 billion.
Australian hotel owner Jerry Schwartz commented that the re-energising of Darling Harbour has been long-overdue, crediting the NSW Government for taking hard decisions based around a long-term vision for Sydney’s future development.
“We will work with all the city and State authorities to ensure that the hotel is a showpiece for luxury accommodation in Sydney,” Schwartz added.
Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA) director for NSW Carol Giuseppi hailed the news that Dr Schwartz has agreed to fund the development as a “crucial project, as a 5-star hotel in the heart of the new ICC precinct will be vital if we are to compete with the likes of Singapore, Bangkok and Hong Kong.”
“After years of little accommodation growth, Sydney is now seeing some strong growth in supply as a result of the redevelopment of Darling Harbour and the Government’s commitment to marketing and events investment,” Giuseppi added.
The Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour is being designed by internationally renowned Sydney architect Richard Francis-Jones, from Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp (FJMT) and will boast panoramic harbour and city views from a range of large luxury rooms.
Additionally, guests will be able to enjoy a rooftop club lounge, meeting rooms, ballroom and outdoor pool deck, as well as bars and restaurants with views of Darling Harbour and across the water to the CBD skyline.
