Sydney attracts Singaporean giant Pontiac Land Group’s eye amid hotel expansion plans

Pontiac Land Group is chasing mixed-use projects as the NSW capital takes off, thanks to its infrastructure, including the new metro.

The Lands by Capella is due to open next year. Picture: Supplied

Pontiac Land Group, the developer and owner of Capella Sydney, is looking for more mixed-use projects, with the Singaporean company saying it is attracted to the NSW capital due to high government spending in infrastructure such as the metro, Australia’s biggest public transport project.

Fresh from opening the 192-room, eight-level Capella Sydney hotel two years ago and the more recent announcement of The Lands by Capella, Sydney’s newest lifestyle destination, Pontiac Land Group’s chief executive officer David Tsang said that together, the two sandstone projects were one of the largest privately funded tourism infrastructure projects in NSW.

Mr Tsang said since opening the hotel, he had been looking for new opportunities.

“Sydney is a dynamic environment; NSW is investing in infrastructure, such as the metro,” he said. “You see Sydney as a key international gateway. Sydney is well positioned long term.”

But he cautioned that Pontiac Land Group's next move in Sydney would be around finding the right opportunity.

“If we could find something with an integrated mixed use, we could create more value,” Mr Tsang said.

The Lands by Capella in Sydney. Picture: Supplied

Asked if it was difficult redeveloping the historic sandstone buildings which now house the Capella Sydney, Mr Tsang said one of the reasons why Pontiac Land Group chose Sydney was because there were professionals running the government offices: “They were very supportive”.

“The bigger challenge was the nature of the project and complexity … we believe we had common goals,” said Mr Tsang, adding that these goals included helping to rejuvenate the Circular Quay precinct.

“We had certain delays, some had to do with Covid, and some of the changes in planning for the Lands by Capella buildings and the Capella Sydney hotel.”

Apart from Sydney and its Singapore base, the privately held Pontiac Land Group owns residential, commercial and hotels in the Maldives and New York City. Controlled by Singapore’s Kwee family, Pontiac Land Group also operates hotels in Asia and is looking to invest further in Australia, following its 2015 acquisition of the historic former Department of Education building and its conversion into the six-star hotel.

Located between Circular Quay, Macquarie and George Streets, The Lands by Capella builds upon the success of the Capella Sydney hotel. The hotel, which opened in 2023, covers an entire city block and occupies the historic former Department of Education building.

The new The Lands by Capella development will offer about 10,000sq m of leasing space to outside retailers, including those offering experiential luxury retail, food and beverage concepts with rooftop dining and large-scale event spaces.

Mr Tsang said Pontiac Land Group was steering away from traditional retailers to fill the space – rather the company wanted third parties who could offer experiential luxury retail, food and beverage and a next-generation social hub. Pontiac Land Group wants an eclectic mix of local brands, that focus more on an immersive experience.

“For the food and beverage, the Sydney bar is set quite high,” Mr Tsang said.

The Lands by Capella is also home to Florence Guild’s newest venture, The Sandstones Club by Florence Guild, which offers a heritage destination with high-end experiences.

The Lands by Capella will feature a ballroom, restaurants and bars as well as retail. It is scheduled to open to the public next year.

Originally published as Sydney attracts Singaporean giant Pontiac Land Group’s eye amid hotel expansion plans