The development of the Crown Sydney Hotel Resort will involve an international architectural design competition in order to create an iconic addition to Sydney Harbour, according to Crown’s Proposal.

Last week the NSW Government to proceed to Stage 2 of James Packer and Crown Limited’s Unsolicited Proposal to construct and manage a world-class, six-star hotel resort at Barangaroo South.

It would extend up to 20 storeys above the allowable height limit and among the tallest buildings in Sydney.

The summary of the unsolicited proposal says the project will “utilise world’s best practice design, in order to create an iconic addition to Sydney Harbour”.

“The design of the hotel resort will be sympathetic to the surrounding improvements at Barangaroo South and Barangaroo Central and will create a unique opportunity for tourists to experience the proposed cultural amenities and parklands that are an integral part of Barangaroo. Crown will be working with some of the world’s best resort and hospitality designers and will consult with an expert advisory panel to ensure that the Crown Sydney Resort is an iconic addition to Barangaroo and Sydney Harbour.”

Under the Exclusive Dealing Agreement between Crown and Lend Lease, Crown is required to enter into a Novated Design and Construct Agreement with Lend Lease or one of its subsidiaries to construct the Crown Sydney Resort. 

Crown and Lend Lease will work together on an exclusive basis for a period of up to 24 months to jointly develop the concept plan for the hotel resort.

James Packer and Crown Limited’s proposal says that, given the significant cost of the project, VIP gaming is essential to make this project commercially viable. 

While the project has garnered support from both side of NSW Government, as well as former PM Paul Keating, it is also fielding opposition from groups including the Greens and some anti-gambling advocates.

A petition has also been started, supported by notable local architects, including former NSW branch president of the Australian Institute of Architects Caroline Pidcock, calling on the NSW government to halt the process by which a second casino will be built in Barangaroo.

The hotel resort is expected to be located on a site to be agreed with the NSW Government on the north west corner of Barangaroo South, adjacent to Sydney Harbour and Barangaroo Central.

 The development of the hotel resort at Barangaroo South is subject to a number of government approvals, including approval of the Barangaroo Delivery Authority.