Tag: InterContinental Hotel

Storied Double Bay Hotel, Site of Celebrity and Tragedy, Set for $1bn Rebirth

Photo Credit: Cox Architecture

The Double Bay hotel that once hosted Princess Diana and saw the tragic death of Michael Hutchence will soon be gone, making way for a $1 billion mixed-use precinct after developers won final approval for its demolition.

Read: Reset Wellness Studio Brings Private Sauna, Ice Bath And Halotherapy Experience To Double Bay

A Landmark’s New Look

Double Bay hotel
Photo Credit: Cox Architecture

The InterContinental Hotel site at 33 Cross St, which has long been a key part of Double Bay’s identity, has received the green light for a major overhaul. The project, led by Sydney developers Eduard Litver of Capitel Group and Allen Linz of Rebel Property Group, will see the current six-storey building replaced.

In its place, a new landmark building designed by COX Architecture will be constructed. This new structure will feature a mix of high-end shops and dining, commercial offices, boutique accommodation, luxury residences, and a wellness centre. The development application, which was lodged late last year, was approved in under 12 months.

A Site Rich with History

Double Bay hotel
Photo Credit: Cox Architecture

For many, the hotel holds powerful memories. It was the preferred hotel for visiting celebrities and royalty, including the late Princess Diana, who stayed there just a year before her death. The site is also remembered as the Ritz Carlton, where, 28 years ago, INXS frontman Michael Hutchence tragically died. This approval marks the end of that specific era for the building, paving the way for a complete revitalisation.

A Focus on the Future Village

Double Bay hotel
Photo Credit: Cox Architecture

The developers behind the project expressed that the approval is a significant milestone for Double Bay’s ongoing evolution. Allen Linz said the team welcomes the decision and looks forward to creating something that enriches the local community. He stated their goal is to strengthen the area’s appeal as Sydney’s top harbourside destination.

Eduard Litver added that the project will make a lasting contribution to the village’s future. He noted that the new retail and hospitality spaces are designed to support local life and business, adding to the vitality of the area.

Read: Double Bay Welcomes One of Australia’s Largest Pet Care Hubs

From Planning to Building

With the project now fully approved, the team’s attention is shifting to the next phase. Arian Galanis of Metis Group, who managed the project through the approval process, said the focus now turns to delivery. He confirmed the team is working closely with designers to bring the vision for 33 Cross Street to life, aiming to set a new benchmark for quality lifestyle-led development in Sydney.

Published Date 28-October-2025

$1-Billion Redevelopment Set to Transform Double Bay Waterfront

Photo Credit: 33 Cross St

Did you know that the landmark InterContinental Hotel in Double Bay may be demolished to give way to a proposed $1-billion lifestyle precinct, a major transformation for the waterfront suburb?

Read: Song Bird Takes Flight in Double Bay

A New Vision for Double Bay

The project, located at 33 Cross Street, has been submitted for approval (DA 489/2024), with construction anticipated to begin by 2026. Designed by COX Architecture, the redevelopment will include high-end retail, dining, a 40-room boutique hotel, office suites, wellness facilities, and 29 luxury apartments priced at around $30 million each.

Developers Allen Linz, Eduard Litver, and Mervyn Basserabie acquired the site for $215 million earlier this year. They aim to revitalise the area with a mixed-use precinct that balances public accessibility with luxury living. Nearly half the site will be dedicated to community spaces, including green areas, cinemas, and a pedestrian walkway connecting the precinct to Double Bay Beach.

33 Cross St Double Bay
Photo Credit: 33 Cross Street

Community-Centred Design

The redevelopment prioritises community integration, with developers emphasising a more inclusive street-level experience. Features such as a landscaped atrium, public art installations, and pedestrian-friendly pathways are central to the design. The proposal also incorporates facilities catering to Double Bay’s ageing demographic, including medical services, saunas, and gyms.

The new precinct will retain elements of the site’s history, though the 140-room InterContinental Hotel—once a destination for celebrities like Princess Diana and David Bowie—will largely be replaced. Developers plan to manage the non-residential spaces directly, ensuring high-quality retail and hospitality services.

33 Cross St Double Bay
Photo Credit: DA 489/2024

Luxury Apartments in a Booming Market

The apartments, spanning around 300 square metres each, will occupy the top seven levels of the precinct, offering views of Sydney Harbour. These residences, marketed on an invitation-only basis, have already garnered significant interest. The redevelopment aligns with a broader trend of rising property values in Double Bay, where luxury developments have seen apartment prices grow by 16.6 per cent over the past year.

Developers believe the new precinct will cement Double Bay’s status as a global lifestyle destination, drawing comparisons to exclusive developments in cities like London and New York. The project will complement existing high-profile establishments in the area, such as Neil Perry’s restaurant Margaret and Top Spring’s luxury apartment complexes.

33 Cross St Double Bay
Photo Credit: 33 Cross Street

A Landmark for the Future

Mr Litver described the project as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine how people experience Double Bay. He noted that the site’s unique location, surrounded by parklands and harbour views, made it an ideal place to create a world-class precinct. Similarly, Mr Linz emphasised the importance of enhancing community connections while preserving the area’s charm.

Read: New York Fashion House Rag & Bone Debuts in Double Bay

If approved, the redevelopment is expected to reshape Double Bay into a vibrant hub blending luxury living with public amenities, ensuring long-term benefits for the community.

Published 22-January-2025