Set within the historic Department of Lands building, The Lands by Capella is an exciting new landmark scheduled to open in early 2026, offering a new destination for exceptional events, world-class hospitality and immersive experiences. A visionary new project from Pontiac Land Group, this beautiful transformation will offer a suite of elegant new venues on Level Two of The Lands by Capella, underpinned by the bespoke hospitality and services of Capella Sydney.

Located in one of Sydney's most dynamic districts at the nexus of Circular Quay, Macquarie and George Streets, The Lands by Capella will anchor a vibrant new "house of light", offering discovery hospitality, retail, business entertainment, and curated cultural experiences when it opens next year. The site will offer approximately 10,000 square metres of experiential space, with rooftop dining, premium retail, and light-filled venues tailored for everything from intimate gatherings to large-scale galas.

Developed by Pontiac Land Group, The Lands by Capella is the counterpart to the award-winning Capella Sydney, both forming The Sandstone Precinct, a unified, walkable destination where heritage meets innovation and style. Since its debut in 2023, Capella Sydney has redefined luxury hospitality in the city; The Lands by Capella will now build on this legacy with a broader cultural and events focus. The precinct will also be home to The Sandstones Club by Florence Guild, the latest venture from Florence Guild; a modern members club offering professional, social, and cultural experiences designed to inspire a contemporary renaissance in how we live, work and connect.

The Sandstone Precinct unlocks Australia's finest events location, a new destination for everything from multi-day international conferences and grand weddings to intimate business gatherings, utilising the world-class hospitality of Capella Sydney. “The Lands by Capella is an expansion of our commitment to crafting unforgettable experiences,” says Marc von Arnim, General Manager of Capella Sydney. “We are proud to bring this extraordinary building back to life as a beacon for modern luxury, community connection and cultural storytelling in Sydney's vibrant CBD. It is a brilliant evolution of our hotel and event offering at Capella Sydney.”

A New Chapter for One of Sydney's Most Treasured Icons

Led by acclaimed global architecture and design practice Hassell in collaboration with Heritage Architects Purcell who provided heritage conservation guidance on the interiors, the adaptive reuse of the Department of Lands building is grounded in the principle of making “the proposed use fit the building, not the building fit the use.” This nuanced approach enabled the Hassell team to shape a dynamic, hospitality-led destination that preserves the building's architectural legacy, while creating a set of extraordinary event spaces unlike any in Sydney.

These event spaces have been tailored to suit the building's original room configurations, significantly reducing heritage impact while delivering a combination of function, character and refined elegance. Internally, the grandeur of original elements, from arched windows and black-and-white marble corridors to vast timber doors and windows and ornate wainscotting, has been meticulously restored. These heritage features are complemented by contemporary insertions that create a distinct but respectful dialogue between past and present.

Hassell Managing Director Liz Westgarth says the project is a powerful demonstration of how adaptive reuse can shape the future of our cities. “We've taken a long-underutilised site and reawakened its original grandeur — honouring the exceptional heritage fabric while sensitively layering in contemporary design that sets it up for another century of life,” said Liz.

A New Standard for Luxury Events

Set to open in Quarter 1 2026, The Lands by Capella will introduce five versatile, light-filled venues on Level 2 that will bring a new dimension of luxury to Sydney's events and experiences landscape.

The first of these is The Capella Ballroom, a grand, heritage space with stunning high ceilings, arched cedar windows that fill the room with natural light, and capacity for up to 250 guests. Ideal for galas, weddings and grand celebrations, the Capella Ballroom's restored heritage windows and sophisticated interiors create a sense of drama and intimacy, enhanced by state-of-the-art technology and Capella's signature service. On a smaller scale, but equally luxurious, The Liberty Ballroom accommodates up to 120 guests for premium corporate or exclusive private events.

Nestled between the ballrooms is a collection of Meeting Suites. Complementing the larger spaces, these thoughtfully versatile suites are perfect for strategising or celebrating in timeless luxury. Boasting meticulously restored heritage windows and bathed in an abundance of natural light, each of the Suites provides a sophisticated backdrop with a warm and inviting ambience. The Botanist Suite and The Surveyors Suite will each accommodate 40 guests, while The Explorers Suite will accommodate up to 80 guests.

“The Lands by Capella offers event organisers a rare combination of heritage elegance paired with cutting-edge facilities, all set within one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in the country,” says Lyn Lewis-Smith, CEO of Business Events Sydney. “It will be an unparalleled venue for Sydney's global events future.”

Guests hosting or attending events at The Lands by Capella will enjoy Capella Sydney's award-winning hospitality, from dedicated event curation by Capella's Event Specialists to culinary direction by Executive Chef Gabriele Taddeucci, known for his creative fusion of native Australian produce and global flavours. Event guests will also have access to the neighbouring Capella Sydney's luxury accommodation, which offers 192 rooms and suites, an acclaimed spa, fine dining, and The Living Room – a guest sanctuary that is a signature of Capella, providing an opportune connection between the event and overnight stays.

From opulent ballrooms and rooftop restaurants to bespoke retail and club spaces, The Lands by Capella is set to become Sydney's most coveted destination for elevated experiences and meaningful encounters. This visionary transformation will deliver a destination where heritage meets contemporary sophistication — a house of light, inspired by art, culture, and hospitality excellence.

To stay updated, https://capellahotels.com/capella-sydney/thelands