Woods Bagot is designing the new Greenland Hotel - this conversion of 339 Pitt Street is Chinese developer Greenland's first hotel project in Australia. The hotel will include a bar and restaurant on a rooftop that once served as a rifle range for returned service men post WWII and will complement Sydney's tallest residential tower to be constructed at 115 Bathurst Street, also by Greenland with design by BVN Donovan Hill and Woods Bagot.
The transformation of the former Sydney Water Board from a deteriorating office building into a modern, boutique hotel that pays homage to its 1939 Art Deco heritage highlights a trend towards the reuse and long term viability of heritage buildings.
"The challenge of the design was to transform the space into a contemporary hotel while retaining and celebrating the beauty of the heritage features," commented Sydney Design Principal Wade Little.
Hotel rooms over six floors, converted from empty office space, will feature simple luxurious interiors, creating an authentic, sophisticated and engaging experience for guests. The ground plane of the hotel and residential building will connect via a series of new pedestrian laneways for use by retail tenancies.
The materiality of the new elements within the space reference the original stone and timber veneer panel with the intention to reflect the original design. Lighter tones visually connect the large space of the ground floor, while skylights will be exposed and refurbished to create a light central volume.
"The original marble columns and art deco detailing will be retained, with complementary finishes and materials added to create an elegant modern feel," Wade Little added.
The existing roof level will include a new restaurant, bar and pool area. Lightweight roof canopies will provide weather protection while respecting the existing heritage parapet along the Pitt and Wilmont Street frontages.
The redevelopment is due for completion in 2015.