Singaporean-owned developer to build its third hotel in Sydney's Surry Hills

While the new hotel received concept approval in late 2017, the developers still need to lodge another application to proceed with demolition and construction.

The developers are jumping on the bandwagon with design-focused hotel rooms. Image: Tzannes

The entry to the proposed building and hotel lobby will be through the four-storey podium on Lower Campbell Street; the new hotel and the existing Cambridge Hotel will be interconnected by a doorway.

They will also share the existing basement car park, conference rooms, some back-of-house services, loading and waste-holding area.

The new development will bring the entire site’s gross floor area to 8717 square metres, including the existing Cambridge Hotel’s 137 guest rooms, a restaurant and swimming pool across 14 storeys.

Cienna Group bought the entire 1091-square-metre site, including the component where the new hotel will be developed, for $22.38 million in 2002, Domain Group records show. It also took over the management of the hotel in 2003.

The swimming pool and wellness centre will be in the basement. Image: Tzannes

It also owns the smaller Adge Hotel located next door at 220 Riley Street.

The company is owned by Singaporean property group Lee Kim Tah Holdings, which owns hotels and shopping centres in Singapore, China and Australia. Cienna has also developed residential apartments in Sydney’s Neutral Bay and Mosman.

Cienna Group has been contacted for comment.

Architecture firm Tzannes’ director Ben Green, who recently won the competition to design the project with Jonathan Evans, said the new hotel would have a character tailored to Surry Hills.

“We see this as an important opportunity to upgrade this significant and prominent site on the corner of Riley and (Lower) Campbell Streets, meeting high standards of hospitality amenity, improving the presentation and experience of the site, and more clearly defining its relationship with the adjoining public domain,” Mr Green said.

The hotel will have 122 rooms over 12 levels. Image: Tzannes

The new hotel will also incorporate rooftop and façade landscaping, a new restaurant, bar and an underground pool and wellness centre. Rooms will be between 19 and 33 square metres in size.

“Surry Hills as a suburb has undergone tremendous change over time evolving to become a bohemian centre with a distinctive character. It is now synonymous with great pubs, restaurants, fashion, art and street culture,” Mr Green said.

“Despite its close proximity to the CBD, it has retained its parklands and greenery. Yet it retains its connection to its past with public housing sitting next to chic new residences. This juxtaposition defines the character of the area; upscale, affluent and chic but also gritty, rough and edgy at the same time.”