More than three years after submitting a proposal for the upgrade of the landmark InterContinental Hotel Sydney, owner Mulpha Australia has been given the go ahead for its concept plan.

Ongoing opposition from the City of Sydney due to heritage concerns and visual impacts saw the NSW Independent Planning Commission called in late last year to put the $203 million project under the microscope. This week the IPC granted consent to the alterations and additions for the five-star hotel, subject to conditions.

The sticking point for the development is a new ballroom, originally spruiked as a 900-square-metre pillarless space on the northern side of the hotel, extending above the adjacent Transport House and offering picture-perfect views of Sydney Harbour for venue guests. To have the development concept authorised, a number of modifications to the ‘Crystal Ballroom’, as it was dubbed originally, were necessary.

Other upgrades were planned for the roof of the hotel tower, including an expansion of the club lounge and terrace on level 32, in addition to internal enhancements across the 509-room luxury hotel.

Greg Shaw, Chief Executive Officer of Mulpha Australia Limited said, “Mulpha is excited by the positive planning outcome for InterContinental Sydney and is committed to delivering an iconic integrated Ballroom and 5 star Hotel that will re-enforce Sydney’s position as a global corporate, group and tourism destination.

“The significant investment proposed will truly embed the Hotel as Sydney’s premier place to stay and with the extensive works already underway at the Circular Quay end of the City, we very much look forward to the new vibrancy and excitement being brought to Sydney”.

The hotel is managed by InterContinental Hotels Group. IHG’s Managing Director for Australasia & Japan Leanne Harwood also welcomed the project’s approval for its five-star Sydney CBD address.