The 228-room Florin Hotel will operate under EVT Hotels and Resorts’ Independent Collection, and construction is expected to be complete in the second half of 2027.
The joint-venture team behind the project is owners Int.re and local developer Icon Oceania.
After acquiring the former Universal Pictures site in 2023, the joint venture enlisted SJB Architects and EVT to bring its vision for a heritage-inspired luxury hotel to life, with Hickory appointed as builder.
“Sydney is such an exciting market at the moment, and this is an outstanding site to be delivering a world-class hotel,” says Matthew Bourke, CEO, Int.re.
“Collaborating and bringing the vision to life with our project partners Icon Oceania, along with EVT, SJB and Hickory is a significant achievement for our business.
“2025 has been a watershed year for our team with the evolution of Icon Developments to the Int.re business, and the integration of our property-first, investment-led approach has allowed us to invest in partnerships in new sectors and new markets.”
SJB Architects’ design pays tribute to the history of the building, first constructed in 1936, which once served as the Australian headquarters of Universal Pictures.
The design plans include “subtle cinematic touches” in guest rooms and a dramatic “vertigo suite” on the 18th floor looking down on the city below through a transparent glass floor.
The hotel will also include a ground-floor restaurant and bar; ground-level courtyard with living green walls and quiet spaces; a rooftop infinity pool; and two-level rooftop bar.
A striking 3D art facade across the 20 levels will capture attention from the street, changing in appearance with the light throughout the day.
“Our team is passionate in bringing EVT’s Independent Collection signature approach to Florin Hotel, leveraging the scale and expertise of our hotel solutions to ensure operational excellence, culinary dining and bar experiences while executing premium, personalised customer service to every guest,” says Norman Arundel, director, hotels and resorts, EVT.
Icon Oceania managing director Nico Tjen says Florin Hotel represents an incredible opportunity for the team.
“This is a much-loved and historic site, and we are honoured to be entrusted to deliver a project that adds luxury, amenity and landmark accommodation to the Sydney CBD, while still celebrating its heritage,” he says.
The project marks a move into hotels for Int.re – building on a portfolio of residential, industrial and commercial property – with the group now looking to expand its footprint in hotels across Australia and New Zealand.
This story originally appeared on Hotel Management.
