PRESS RELEASETHE ARRIVAL OF CAPELLA SYDNEY HERALDS A NEW
BEGINNING IN THE LUXURY HOTEL LANDSCAPE

Image credit: Make Architects(SINGAPORE, 6th September 2022) – Capella Hotels and Resorts are delighted to announce thehighly anticipated opening of their first Australian property in March 2023. Capella Sydney is theculmination of a stunning transformation of the heritage listed Department of Education Building intoa luxury hotel that will welcome guests and patrons for the first time in the building's history.
Occupying an entire city block, encircled by Loftus, Bridge and Young Streets, the character-filledbuilding is nestled in close proximity to Sydney’s commercial, arts and cultural districts and at the heartof Sydney’s latest retail and hospitality precinct. Paying homage to the city’s rich history, the reimagined stylish and contemporary interiors juxtapose the old-world heritage charm, creating a serene
atmosphere and a peaceful escape from the bustling surrounds of Circular Quay and the northern
Sydney CBD.
An iconic sandstone structure, the Department of Education Building was constructed in two phases.
From 1912 – 1915, government architect George McRae designed the Bridge Street side that washome to the Department of Education. It stood there alone for 15 years, before John Reid & Son
completed the second half, facing Farrer Place, that became home to the Department of Agriculture.
Upon entering the hotel, guests will feel a sense of grandeur with soaring ceilings and refined interiors
that embrace the aesthetic of the original building. A bespoke art installation ‘Meadow’ by Studio Drift
will showcase the unrivalled space within the central atrium. Suspended below an enviable glassceiling, the kinetic sculptures blossom by mixing the light colours and the gradient of the fabrics,
reacting to guests as if they were the sun to a blooming flower.
The ground level of Capella Sydney will be home to multiple food and beverage offerings and six
meeting and conference rooms entertaining groups of 10 - 80 people. Signature restaurant, Brasserie
1930’s modern art deco design was inspired by the building itself whilst its name is derived from theperiod it was built. Seating over 130 guests, diners can enjoy a culinary experience that offers locallysourced produce in a city renowned for its food culture. In honour of architect George McRae, theMcRae Bar is a modern interpretation of the glamorous 1920’s. Taking inspiration from these times,
talented mixologists will curate bespoke beverages from this vintage, but with a twist.
Offering 192 spacious guest rooms and suites, Capella Sydney is the ultimate urban sanctuary set
within the ever-changing Sydney CBD. Thoughtfully designed, standard guest rooms are spacious
averaging over 50sqm whilst suites range up to 245sqm. All guest rooms feature high ceilings andoffer a sense of calm with muted tones and a neutral colour palette as well as an abundance of naturallight. Opulent and oversized bathrooms comprise of double vanities, rain showers with most also
including deep soaking stand-alone bathtubs. Intuitive in-room technology will be integrated within thehistorical fabric of the hotel, enhancing the overall guest experience.
With an all-encompassing approach to well-being, Capella Sydney’s offering includes the awardwinning Auriga Spa, a 20-metre swimming pool intentionally positioned under a large heritage lantern(skylight) of similar scale, a fitness centre and yoga platform. This stunning space on Level Five wasonce used as a gallery to showcase works of art as the heritage lanterns scattered throughout
permeate an abundance of natural light and reflection. Auriga Spa draws on the strength of its
surroundings with a focus on holistic ancient practices. The spa’s array of treatments is created tocounteract the challenges and effects of a modern lifestyle and provide guests with the space to heal
and rejuvenate their mind, body and soul.
"We're looking forward to breathing new life into Sydney's historical Department of Education Building
together with Pontiac Land Group. This is a fantastic opportunity for us to establish our presence inAustralia, introduce Capella's craft of hospitality and continue our growth beyond Asia." said Cristiano
Rinaldi, President of Capella Hotel Group.
“Following seven years of meticulous planning, conservation and renovations, Pontiac Land is proud
to unveil this grand hotel together with Capella Hotel Group. Capella Sydney will elevate luxury
accommodation options for business and leisure travellers, and inject fresh energy into the rejuvenatedCircular Quay precinct.”, said David Tsang, Chief Executive Officer of Pontiac Land Group.

The opening of Capella Sydney in 2023 will deliver a guest experience unlike any other. Exquisiteamenities, historic architecture and refined interiors will create a truly inspiring environment. Capella
Sydney will become the ultimate destination hotel for both local and international guests alike,establishing it as one of the finest hotels in the world.
– ENDS –For more Information, please contact:
Kate Dalton – Director of Marketing and Communications, Capella Sydneykate.dalton@capellahotels.com
Victoria Lim – Content Marketing Specialist, Capella Hotel Groupvictoria.lim@capellahotelgroup.com
ABOUT CAPELLA HOTELS AND RESORTS
The Capella Hotels and Resorts collection consists of properties located in Singapore, Ubud,Bangkok, Hanoi, Shanghai and Hainan. Capella Sydney will be the first one in the Australian market.
Future openings include exciting destinations such as Japan, Maldives and South Korea.
The exceptional hospitality brand, taking its name from the brightest star of the Auriga constellation,
shines a spotlight on local heritage, culture and community whilst crafting authentic guests’
experiences with the highest level of personalised service and combining a legacy of thoughtful design.
Capella Hotels and Resorts was named 2nd Best Hotel Brand in the world in the Travel + Leisure‘World’s Best Awards’ in both 2021 and 2020.
For more information visit www.capellahotels.com
ABOUT PONTIAC LAND GROUP
Pontiac Land is a privately-held property developer, owner, and operator based in Singapore. The
Group’s collection of properties includes mixed-use developments with hospitality, commercial andresidential components. Leveraging on sixty years of experience in luxury property development,
Pontiac Land seeks to better the built environment through thoughtful architecture and design. Eachdevelopment is curated with art and spaces are maintained by the Group’s in-house property
management team to deliver hospitality to our guests and tenants. The collection spans Singapore,
New York, Sydney and the Maldives. In 2006, Pontiac Land co-founded Capella Hotel Group in Asia.
The Group subsequently acquired Capella Hotel Group as a wholly-owned subsidiary in 2017,
extending Pontiac Land’s presence to over 20 destinations globally.
For more Information visit www.pontiacland.com