InterContinental Hotel Parramatta: New completion deadline revealed after major delays
Suspended construction on Parramatta’s first five-star hotel is expected to resume but the developer has revealed a major delay for the opening of the $200m luxury landmark.
Parramatta
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The developer behind Parramatta’s first luxury 212-room hotel has revealed the delayed construction is likely to resume by the end of this year with doors to open three years behind schedule.
Work on the InterContinental came to a sudden halt in November after Sydney Metro claimed Holdmark had not yet achieved consent to build over a rail corridor, casting major doubt the hotel would be completed by its original 2025 deadline.
On Wednesday night, Holdmark chief operating officer Kevin Nassif told this publication the developer and Sydney Metro would soon meet, with tools likely to be picked up on the landmark hotel before the year concludes.
A three-year construction timeline is forecast, meaning the hotel is likely to be completed by late 2028 – three years behind schedule.
Holdmark Property Group inked a management agreement with IHG Hotels and Resorts in 2021 to deliver the hotel, which will house a 24-storey office tower, a 31-storey tower with a grand ballroom, rooftop bar, restaurant with outdoor terrace and three-level podium.
The ballroom will be housed in a four-level basement which will house a grand ballroom and parking.
Mr Nassif had, earlier Wednesday evening, addressed community figures who gathered for a preview of Holdmark’s jazz bar to be housed in the elegant sandstone building at George St where Westpac bank once stood.
Along with the venue – to be called the Hotel Parramatta – Mr Nassif said the InterContinental would be major attractions for the CBD.
“These projects have been able to attract international, great operators and brands who also share our vision for this city,’’ he said.
“Our projects in Parramatta will not only elevate the night time economy and encourage tourism but will create more than 2000 permanent jobs in the city – 400 of those jobs in hospitality alone.’’
Holdmark is developing the Hotel Parramatta while Australian Venue Co will operate the drawcard which is being touted as revitalising the city’s night life.
Australian Venue Co chief development officer Chris Mallalue took the audience on a virtual tour of the future night spot in the 87-year-old building, from the “classic pub” on the ground floor, a dining room on the first floor and the rooftop which he labelled the “hero space” and “major drawcard”.
The hour also included a jazz lounge, bars, potentially a French restaurant and a rooftop bar with panoramic views.
Construction on the project is slated to begin on June 30 and wrap up in 12 months, when it is touted to be a “key player in Parramatta’s beverage and night time scene”.
“What was once a Westpac bank will soon become a landmark four-level venue spanning 1800sq m anchored by an impressive 450sq m rooftop and a basement jazz bar,’’ Mr Mallalue said.
“Parramatta Hotel will be a vibrant new destination offering fresh drinking and dining experience in the heart of growing city of Parramatta.’’
The Business Western Sydney-hosted preview brought together community figures including the 24-hour economy commissioner Michael Rodrigues, Jobs and Tourism Minister Steve Kamper and Powerhouse chief executive Lisa Havilah in the grand building.
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