Watershed Hotel, Darling Harbour

Following the successful completion of Trans Media’s Town Hall Hotel in Balmain, The APP Group was appointed by Trans Media to manage the fitout of their Watershed Hotel bar and restaurant at Harbourside in Darling Harbour. 

The Watershed design took full advantage of the prime location and city skyline views and project a sophisticated European image appealing to both locals and tourists alike. 

The resulting design included an up-market city-style main bar, extensive external terrace areas, an upper enclosed balcony lounge-style bar, a commercial kitchen, extensive back of house and offices areas, and sophisticated security and audio-visual systems.

The construction program for this new development was extremely tight. The APP Group organised sufficient design for tender, went to tender, lodged and received the DA and Construction Certificate and let the contract for an on-site start within 9 weeks. The entire project was completed within 21 weeks despite the Christmas shut down period.  

We achieved this by remaining in a position to change direction to a more streamlined delivery strategy as opportunities to “fast track” construction presented themselves.

The project also required complex and sensitive negotiations and tenancy co-ordination with stakeholders such as Harbourside Shopping Centre and the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority. 

The Watershed Hotel was delivered more than 10% under budget, creating significant savings and investment capital for the client.