Hotel Redevelopment Boosts Darling Harbour Rejuvenation

Darling Harbour's rejuvenation has taken another step forward after M&L Hospitality’s redevelopment of Hyatt Regency Sydney on 161 Sussex Street.

Formerly known as Four Points by Sheraton Sydney, Hyatt Regency Sydney's overhaul was completed by global contracting company Multiplex, marking the Hyatt Regency’s return to Sydney.

The redevelopment included refurbishment of the existing hotel, the construction of a new 3,667 square metre convention centre, and a 25-level tower including 13 new hotel levels and 10 levels of A-grade high rise commercial office space.

The additional 25-storey tower has added 222 new guest rooms to what was already Australia’s largest hotel, bringing the total number of rooms to 892.

“We are delighted to deliver this landmark project which will contribute to the revitalisation of Darling Harbour as a vibrant tourism hub,” Multiplex Regional Managing Director David Ghannoum said.

A significant amount of construction took place over the top of the Western Distributor Freeway, a major feeder road from the Sydney CBD to the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Construction had the potential to affect the day-to-day activity of about 80,000 vehicles using the Western Distributor daily and the 600-700 guests staying at the hotel each night, however Multiplex said the work was completed with minimal disruption.

Work commenced in December, 2014 and spanned a two year period. The project generated approximately 2,250 jobs during construction and a further 90 hotel jobs are set to be created now it has reached completion.

Construction saw some 11,500 cubic metres of concrete poured and 635 tonnes of steel installed to create the building’s structure, and over 1,388 glass panels installed to form the hotel’s façade.

Multiplex‘s safety practices on site at 161 Sussex Street were recognised by the Australian Steel Institute (ASI) in 2015, taking out the coveted Site Award at its National Health & Safety Excellence Awards.