The redevelopment of the Department of Lands and Department of Education buildings (The Sandstones Precinct) is an iconic and important development within Sydney.
THE PROJECT AT A GLANCE
- Client
- Pontiac Land Group
- Project Value
- $500m
- Location
- Bridge Street, Sydney
- Services
- Project Management, Superintendency, Design Management
- Completion
- 2023 & 2025
The project involves the adaptive reuse of the state-significant heritage-listed buildings located on Bridge Street in Sydney.
The project will see these impressive historical buildings given new life as a 192-guest room luxury hotel. Pontiac Land Group have commenced the process to masterfully restore these two buildings into a world-class luxury hotel. The Department of Education building is due to open in 2023 and the Department of Lands building in 2025.
A rooftop extension to the Education building will see this building house 192 rooms with a wellness suite with an internal pool, gym & spa treatment facilities. The Department of Lands building will feature retail space, F&B, social & club spaces, co-working spaces, a ballroom, event rooms and new roof terraces.
The buildings have been leased by Pontiac Land Group from Property NSW and a Stage 2 DA was approved in 2018.
Our role
Essence has been involved as Project Manager and Superintendent with The Sandstones Precinct for more than six years. Our role has encompassed design development, authority approvals, hazmat investigations, and acting as superintendent for the two buildings during construction.
THE PROJECT AT A GLANCE
- Client
- Pontiac Land Group
- Project Value
- $500m
- Location
- Bridge Street, Sydney
- Services
- Project Management, Superintendency, Design Management
- Completion
- 2023 & 2025
Complexities
- Significant heritage restoration and fire rating for new uses
- Archaeology excavation
- Extensive HAZMAT removal process.
- Subterranean service tunnel connecting buildings traversing above the new Sydney
- Metros line & below heritage significant Bennelong sewer line.
- Structural capacities of the existing buildings for change in use
- Project delivery during a pandemic, bush fires & unprecedented rainfall.
Benefits Delivered
- Unique understanding of non-invasive construction techniques & processes to maintain heritage fabric.
- A collaborative working approach to overcome environment & economic challenges.
- Technical understanding of managing authorities including, Ausgrid, Sydney Water,
- Transport for NSW, City of Sydney Council and Heritage Council
