Star seeks approval for $500m Ritz-Carlton Sydney project

Wednesday 15th of August 2018

The Star Entertainment Group has filed a development application for a $500 million project to bring a Ritz-Carlton hotel to Sydney, significantly expanding amenities at its existing property in the city.

The application, which was filed with the New South Wales Department of Planning, includes more food and beverage options and a neighbourhood center. Star is building the project with Hong Kong-based Chow Tai Fook Holdings and Far East Consortium, which are also its partners in a major redevelopment of the Queen’s Wharf in central Brisbane.

Architects FJMT, led by Richard Francis-Jones, won a Design Excellence Competition in December 2016 to secure the rights to design the tower.

Features for The Ritz-Carlton hotel include a Sky Lobby, complete with a publicly-accessible signature restaurant with harbour views, and a rooftop terrace.

Star CEO, Matt Bekier said the development will help Sydney to meet an expected surge in tourism arrivals to Australia.

“Forecasts suggest Australia’s current visitation of around 8.3 million international visitors per annum will rise to 15 million a year inside a decade.

“To cater for that demand, we need the necessary tourism infrastructure. Sydney lacks sufficient high-end hotels to meet this wave of international tourist demand, led by the rapidly expanding wealthy Chinese middle-class demographic.”

“By moving to close the shortfall in supply, we can ensure we don’t miss an opportunity that offers considerable economic benefit to this city and this State.”

Rival Crown Resorts is building a $2.2 billion VIP-only six-star IR on the harbour front at Barangaroo. Crown is currently suing the Barangaroo Development Authority amidst concern plans for development of the area will block the view of the harbour from lower floors of the resort.