Slender twisting hotel tower proposed to anchor AUS$1bn Sydney development
– Richard Francis-Jones, FJMT design director
Australian architecture studio FJMT have been selected to design the proposed hotel and residential tower at The Star Sydney, which will accommodate a new six star Ritz-Carlton.
A design competition featured submissions from three major architectural firms, and FJMT were confirmed as the winner after community and stakeholder feedback.
Their design proposes a slender 60-storey tower that gradually twists as it rises. An associated development – featuring bars, restaurants and some yet-to-be revealed attractions – will connect the new building to the existing Star property.
FJMT design director Richard Francis-Jones said the project will enhance the local streets and public domain, creating a landmark for the suburb of Pyrmont.
“Our vision is for a beautifully sculpted architecture, that will seem to grow from the great sandstone of Pyrmont,” he added. “It will be a unique tower, shaped organically in relation to the local environment and character. The form and profile adjusts progressively to preserve sun access into public space, mitigate wind effects, and to share views and amenity with neighbours.”
The project, which will cost at least AUS$500m, is being developed by The Star Entertainment Group alongside Hong Kong investment companies Chow Tai Fook and Far East Consortium.
They will now work with FJMT on finalising a design for lodgement with the NSW Department of Planning and Environment by mid-2017. Build time is estimated at 36 months.
“We’re delighted this process has us on the path to delivering Sydney another world-class luxury hotel, and enhancing the city’s appeal to domestic and international tourists,” said The Star Entertainment Group managing director and CEO, Matt Bekier.
“I want to congratulate FJMT for a design so unique and contemporary, and of such widespread appeal in the feedback to date, that we feel sure this tower will become one of Sydney’s most recognisable landmarks.”
Alongside the creation of the new building, a further AUS$500m will be invested in improving the existing facilities at The Star – a leisure complex featuring luxury residences, food and beverage venues, a day spa and a nightclub.
“As an international tourism operator, you face competition at a domestic, regional and global level,” said Bekier. “If you want to be not only successful, but a leader in the industry, you need to invest and redevelop your assets to ensure the quality of experience is never compromised.
“That is the strategy we have adopted across all three of our properties in Queensland and Sydney.”
The company is also collaborating with its Hong Kong partners on a AUS$3bn leisure project at Queen’s Wharf in Brisbane, which will include more than 12 football fields of redeveloped and enhanced public realm 12 Australian football pitches, five new premium hotels and an “iconic” Arc building with high-end restaurants, bars and a sky deck.
The Star Sydney FJMT Ritz Carlton architecture design Australia Pyrmont
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