Construction commences on Sydney’s first 25hours Hotel

Work has commenced to breathe new life into Paddington’s landmark West Olympia Theatre as it transforms into Sydney’s first ‘25hours Hotel.’

Property developer Central Element and strategic investors Boston Global (CE Boston Hotels) have appointed Richard Crookes Constructions to manage the building works.

Regarded as one of the leading accommodation and heritage contractors in NSW, with an in-depth understanding of complex constructions including Loftus Lane and the Walsh Bay Arts and Cultural Precinct, Richard Crookes Constructions will carry out the sensitive rebuild of the heritage-listed site on Oxford Street into the eagerly awaited quality hospitality and event venue.

The 25hours Hotel marks the first hospitality project for Central Element; a privately-owned award-winning developer led by Directors Wayne Chivas, Shane Smollen and Managing Director Nathan Chivas. The group has delivered more than 400 apartments over the last 14 years across Sydney metropolitan locations, including the 15-unit complex in Sydney’s Coogee which, undeterred by the global pandemic, recently sold out off-the-plan.

Wayne Chivas, Director of Central Element, comments on the appointment; “It was essential to choose a builder who had the same values as us. They needed to understand how momentous it will be to bring back to life this landmark as well as appreciate the challenges involved in restoring the heritage features. Having seen first hand their dedication on previous projects, we know they are the perfect team to bring this to life.” 

Before 1-11 Oxford Street had become one of the longest running cinemas in Sydney, it originally operated as Sydney’s largest brewery in the 1880’s. In 1911 it was repurposed as a theatre and throughout the decades changed hands and name whilst playing host to motion pictures as well as musical and dramatic entertainment.

Jamie Crookes, Managing Director of Richard Crookes Constructions comments on the significance of the build; “Large parts of the building have stood vacant for over a decade. We are thrilled to continue our partnership with CE Boston Hotels to reinstate the old West Olympia Theatre as an iconic destination, contributing to the ongoing revitalisation of the area and Sydney’s entertainment scene.”

Richard Crookes Constructions will work closely alongside award-winning Australian architecture firm Tonkin Zulaikha Greer, as well as two interior design companies A Work of Substance from Hong Kong, handling the design of the rooms, public areas and events spaces and Sydney-based interior designers Acme & Co designing the rooftop bar, restaurant and café offerings.

25hours Hotel sits within the Accor brand portfolio – world-leaders in hospitality. It is the second 25hours Hotel to be announced in Australia, after plans for 25hours Melbourne were revealed earlier this year.

Scheduled for completion in summer 2022, the hotel will encompass 107 guestrooms and a spectacular rooftop bar, central courtyard, restaurants, cafe, state of the art fitness centre and extensive conference and live music facilities.