Unlock the secret behind the staggering $1 billion project to eternally honour Princess Di and INXS!
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In a move that intertwines the allure of luxury with the reverence of iconic history, Australia is set to witness the transformation of one of its most storied hotels into a breathtaking $1 billion lifestyle destination. The Intercontinental Double Bay, a name that resonates with the echoes of the past, is poised to undergo a metamorphosis that will not only redefine its structure but also pay homage to the luminaries who once graced its halls, including the late Princess Diana and INXS lead singer Michael Hutchence.
The ambitious project, spearheaded by Capitel Group Managing Director Eduard Litver, aims to celebrate the unique past of this Sydney 'icon' with a permanent visual display that immortalises its connection to these legendary figures. The development plans to incorporate a boutique 39-suite hotel, 29 luxury apartments in a seven-story building, three cinemas, high-end retail and dining, offices, and a health and wellness centre, all designed to create a sophisticated and enduring quality that inspires local pride and garners global recognition.
The vision for this grand endeavour is to create a space that is not only a testament to luxury living but also a communal hub. Litver has emphasised that 90 percent of the ground floor will be accessible to the public, including a laneway that connects to Transvaal Avenue. This inclusive approach is a nod to the site's historical significance and a commitment to ensuring that the community remains at the heart of the development.
The hotel's storied past is rich with celebrity and royal connections. It was 27 years ago that Michael Hutchence, the charismatic frontman of INXS, was found dead in a room at the hotel, then known as the Ritz Carlton. This tragic event occurred just four months after the world mourned the loss of Princess Diana, who had stayed at the Double Bay hotel in November 1996. The hotel, which was later renamed Sir Stamford Double Bay and then the Intercontinental in 2014, has seen its star appeal fade over the years. However, this redevelopment aims to reignite the glamour and prestige that once defined the establishment.
The project, which is a collaboration between Litver, developer Mervyn Basserable, and Rebel Property managing director Allen Linz, was acquired for $215 million in March. The team has lodged a development application with Woollahra Council to tear down and rebuild the 'outdated' 140-room hotel on the 3,674 square metre block, the largest privately held site in the village.
COX Architecture, with development managers Metis Group, is behind the design of the project. COX Director Ramin Jahromi has described the design as featuring a 'spectacular atrium with sculptural staircase and striking public art installation,' a testament to the project's commitment to aesthetic excellence and cultural significance.
The luxury apartments, ranging from one to four bedrooms, are expected to be among the most sought-after in Australia, with Litver predicting they will command some of the highest prices in the country. The development is anticipated to attract a diverse range of buyers, from empty-nesters to young professionals, reflecting the changing demographic of Double Bay.
Litver's vision extends beyond the physical structure to the revival of Double Bay's retail landscape. He hopes to attract international brands and high-end stores, such as Tiffany & Co., which had its very first store in the Ritz Carlton Hotel. The goal is to create a world-class building that provides a compelling reason for prestigious brands to return to Double Bay.
Construction is hoped to start in 2026, with completion targeted for late 2028. This project is not just about building a new structure; it's about crafting a legacy that will stand the test of time, much like the memories of Princess Diana and Michael Hutchence. It's a bold step towards preserving the past while building a future that continues to dazzle and inspire.
As we look forward to this grand transformation, we invite our readers to share their memories of the Intercontinental Double Bay and its famous guests. What does this development mean for you, and how do you feel about the efforts to immortalise such significant figures in Australian and global history? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below!
The ambitious project, spearheaded by Capitel Group Managing Director Eduard Litver, aims to celebrate the unique past of this Sydney 'icon' with a permanent visual display that immortalises its connection to these legendary figures. The development plans to incorporate a boutique 39-suite hotel, 29 luxury apartments in a seven-story building, three cinemas, high-end retail and dining, offices, and a health and wellness centre, all designed to create a sophisticated and enduring quality that inspires local pride and garners global recognition.
The Intercontinental Double Bay is part of the IHG network of hotels and resorts worldwide. Image Credit: Intercontinental Double Bay
The vision for this grand endeavour is to create a space that is not only a testament to luxury living but also a communal hub. Litver has emphasised that 90 percent of the ground floor will be accessible to the public, including a laneway that connects to Transvaal Avenue. This inclusive approach is a nod to the site's historical significance and a commitment to ensuring that the community remains at the heart of the development.
The hotel's storied past is rich with celebrity and royal connections. It was 27 years ago that Michael Hutchence, the charismatic frontman of INXS, was found dead in a room at the hotel, then known as the Ritz Carlton. This tragic event occurred just four months after the world mourned the loss of Princess Diana, who had stayed at the Double Bay hotel in November 1996. The hotel, which was later renamed Sir Stamford Double Bay and then the Intercontinental in 2014, has seen its star appeal fade over the years. However, this redevelopment aims to reignite the glamour and prestige that once defined the establishment.
The project, which is a collaboration between Litver, developer Mervyn Basserable, and Rebel Property managing director Allen Linz, was acquired for $215 million in March. The team has lodged a development application with Woollahra Council to tear down and rebuild the 'outdated' 140-room hotel on the 3,674 square metre block, the largest privately held site in the village.
COX Architecture, with development managers Metis Group, is behind the design of the project. COX Director Ramin Jahromi has described the design as featuring a 'spectacular atrium with sculptural staircase and striking public art installation,' a testament to the project's commitment to aesthetic excellence and cultural significance.
The luxury apartments, ranging from one to four bedrooms, are expected to be among the most sought-after in Australia, with Litver predicting they will command some of the highest prices in the country. The development is anticipated to attract a diverse range of buyers, from empty-nesters to young professionals, reflecting the changing demographic of Double Bay.
Litver's vision extends beyond the physical structure to the revival of Double Bay's retail landscape. He hopes to attract international brands and high-end stores, such as Tiffany & Co., which had its very first store in the Ritz Carlton Hotel. The goal is to create a world-class building that provides a compelling reason for prestigious brands to return to Double Bay.
Construction is hoped to start in 2026, with completion targeted for late 2028. This project is not just about building a new structure; it's about crafting a legacy that will stand the test of time, much like the memories of Princess Diana and Michael Hutchence. It's a bold step towards preserving the past while building a future that continues to dazzle and inspire.
