The heritage-listed Department of Lands building in Sydney, Australia, has relaunched as a major cultural and events destination, as part of a mixed-use redevelopment of two iconic buildings known collectively as the Sandstone Precinct.

Singapore-based Pontiac Land Group owns the property, as well as the building next door that was the former Department of Education building. 

The two-phase restoration project has seen Pontiac turn the Department of Education building into the 192-key luxury hotel, Capella Sydney, which opened in 2023 and is managed by Capella Hotel Group. Pontiac Land Group co-founded the Capella Hotel Group in 2006 and it went on to acquire the hospitality firm as a wholly-owned subsidiary in 2017.

Make Architects and interior designers BAR Studio worked on the restoration and sensitive remodel of this site, which was originally designed by government architect George McRae and completed in 1912.

This hotel has a signature Auriga Spa with treatment rooms, a 20-metre heated indoor swimming pool and a vitality pool. It also has a steamroom, sauna, experience showers and an ice fountain. There is a fitness centre with Technogym equipment and a yoga platform too.

The Lands by Capella

Design firms Hassell and Purcell Heritage Architects have collaborated on the remodel of the Department of Lands building to reimagine 10,265sq m of historic office space into a culture, wellness and business hub. 

Constructed in the 1870s, from designs by colonial architect James Barnet, the structure was one of the largest in Sydney at the time. It has remained unused since 2016.

It offers a longevity centre, as well as restaurants, bars, experiential retail, co-working spaces, function rooms and cultural activations, as well as serving as a centre for business and tourism.

Capella Sydney will support the demand for accommodation for events hosted at The Lands by Capella.

Marc von Arnim, GM of Capella Sydney, said: “We're honoured to reintroduce this landmark building as a setting for Sydney’s next generation of meaningful and impactful events. There is strong demand for distinctive venues that elevate corporate gatherings and large-scale events by offering both heritage significance and contemporary capability.”

“Since our initial announcement, event enquiries have increased by 85 per cent, with our first quarter already at capacity,” von Arnim added. “This reflects robust domestic and international demand across sectors, including finance, pharmaceuticals, private equity, luxury brands, fashion and healthcare, with major global brands securing events and couples committing without having experienced the spaces in person.”

The entire Sandstone Precinct project is expected to contribute approximately AUS$1.2 billion (US$780 million, €720 million, £612 million) to the city’s economic output.