Newcastle – Five-star luxury coming soon
Newcastle’s first five-star hotel is taking shape in the city centre ahead of its April 2021 opening.
The iconic Brutalist building, which was purpose-built to house City of Newcastle’s Council Administration Centre in the 1970s, is well on its way to being transformed by its new owners, Crystalbrook Collection, into the most glamorous accommodation Newcastle has ever seen.
The hotel is ideally placed in the heart of Newcastle opposite Civic Park, surrounded by the city’s thriving cultural precinct and will bring a new level of luxury to Australia’s seventh largest city while still paying homage to the city and building’s history.
The hotel’s name itself, Kingsley, is a nod to Newcastle’s earlier name of Kingston, which dates back to 1804, while the concrete exterior will be cleaned and sealed to return it to a shade closer to its original pale sandstone colour.
Passers-by looking up to admire the iconic honeycomb-like silhouette of the building will already be able to see one of the hotel’s key new features, a circular glass restaurant and bar described as a place “where culture meets art meets culinary delight”. Built on top of the landmark building, the restaurant will have spectacular 360 degree views over the city and coastline.
The interior of this space will be inspired by the region’s olive groves, as well as the “Black Canary”, in reference to Newcastle and the Hunter’s significant coal mining history.
A series of olive trees line the spinal corridor and create a natural canopy of shade over guest tables during the day, while the canary theme has been carried through with oversized open “cages” used throughout the space. An olive and charcoal colour palette is designed to give guests the sense they are dining in the groves.
Kingsley’s interiors, designed by Suede Interior Design, make use of curves and rhythm to mimic the linear architecture of the building, while every effort has been made to make use of sustainable, upcycled, recycled and locally sourced materials in line with Crystalbrook Collection’s approach to ‘responsible luxury’.
The hotel will include 130 elegantly appointed hotel rooms and suites, as well as a lobby bar and café with an outdoor terrace. Two private meeting venues will make it ideal for conferences, while contemporary luxuries including Crystalbrook’s signature Dream Great king bed or twin beds, Apple iPad control centres, 55” HD Smart TVs, Staycast by Google for video streaming and access to hundreds of complimentary movies, a rainforest shower and Nespresso machine with recyclable pods will make sure guests enjoy an indulgent stay.
