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A multi-faceted entertainment destination and Australia's second largest casino, The Star has announced FJMT as the winning architect for a six-star hotel and residential tower. To be operated by Ritz-Carlton, the $500 million AUD development in the Sydney suburb of Pyrmont now has clearance to seek government approvals.
A five-member design panel unanimously backed the FJMT scheme, which faced stiff competition from BVN and Grimshaw. The project was commended for its visually interesting form, which besides its aesthetic value, also has practical applications in maintaining sun access into public spaces, mitigating wind impacts, and sharing views with neighbours. The 230-metre tower will contain 220 hotel rooms and approximately 150 apartments.
"This is a very significant project for Sydney and Pyrmont that will figure the Harbour skyline and enhance the local streets and public domain," said FJMT Design Director Richard Francis-Jones. "Our vision is for a beautifully sculpted architecture, that will seem to grow from the great sandstone of Pyrmont [...] It will be a unique tower, shaped organically in relation to the local environment and character. It will be a landmark for Pyrmont shaped by the uniqueness of this special place."
As part of the competition process, the community was invited to comment on each of the three initial designs for the tower. FJMT will consider the feedback it received before returning with a final design. The Star Entertainment Group has entered into a partnership with Hong Kong-based Chow Tai Fook and Far East Consortium to execute the project. The New South Wales Department of Planning and Environment will assess the application in 2017. Barring any major hiccups, the development should be open by mid-2021.
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