With Australia back on the global map the Intercontinental hotel on Circular Quay Sydney by the Botanic Gardens, will relaunch in September this year following a transformation worth over US$100m.

The luxury property, which first opened its doors in 1985, has been undergoing extensive renovations since 2020.

Local architecture studio Woods Bagot has redesigned the iconic hotel paying respect to its historic roots housed in Sydney’s restored Treasury Building, built in 1851.

External restoration work has been carried out to enhance elements of the façade, whilst the internal upgrade incorporates all 509 guest rooms and suites, plus public areas.

“We are thrilled to finally share more on what’s been happening behind closed doors these past two years”, said Jennifer Brown, General Manager of InterContinental Sydney.

“The reimagination of Sydney’s most iconic heritage hotel redefines the contemporary luxury hotel experience whilst paying homage to the building’s rich past and its many unique stories. This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the hotel.

“An extremely meticulous design process was required to ensure the heritage buildings have been honoured and the new adaptions respectfully integrated. The redesign celebrates the beauty of the original architecture, whilst respectfully adapting areas to create a new reception, rooms, bars and restaurants”, said Tracey Wiles, Regional Interior Design Leader at Woods Bagot.

“We celebrate the building’s historic past, elevating the luxury of intercontinental Sydney and providing a welcoming retreat in the heart of the city”.

The hotel’s guest rooms are inspired by the property’s surrounding landscape, drawing green and blue hues from the adjacent gardens and harbour through picture-frame windows, the redesign creates a connection and uninterrupted flow from indoor to outdoor according to the architects.

InterContinental Sydney’s rooftop space on Level 32 will also transform, with a signature bar and reimagined outdoor terrace showcasing views across Sydney’s skyline.

The hotel has remained open to guests throughout the renovation with limited access to public spaces whilst undergoing its redesign.