Millions invested to transform iconic Harry Seidler-designed Brisbane hotel
The luxury hotel will undergo a complete reimagining to establish a new chapter for Brisbane hospitality when it unveils its transformation in late 2027.
Set within the landmark heritage Harry Seidler-designed building on Queen Street Mall, the 319-key hotel’s renovations will draw inspiration from Brisbane surrounds, with plans to grow its room count to 324 upon completion.
“This transformation marks a defining new chapter for InterContinental Brisbane and will set a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in the city. Our vision is to reimagine this local icon while paying homage to the iconic Harry Seidler building, bringing together exceptional design, approachable luxury and culturally rich experiences that reflect Brisbane’s vibrant spirit,” InterContinental Brisbane General Manager, Shaun Parsons said.
“Located at Brisbane’s most coveted luxury address, with unrivalled access to the city’s leading luxury retail, dining and cultural precincts, the reimagined hotel will be ideally positioned to welcome guests for the 2027 Rugby World Cup and as Brisbane looks ahead to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“This is an opportunity to shape an exceptional new destination that will captivate modern luxury travellers and strengthen Brisbane’s place on the global luxury landscape.”
Global design firm Woods Bagot will lead the design vision, with Prinicpal Tracey Wiles saying the refurbishment of InterContinental Brisbane honours the Harry Seidler legacy, the original architect and celebrated author of Australian Mid-Century Modernism. At the heart of the design sits the hotel’s grand atrium, reworked to celebrate Brisbane’s natural light and give all 324 rooms a view down to a reimagined atrium footprint.
“InterContinental Brisbane presented an opportunity to celebrate and evolve the building’s architectural legacy; creating a hotel experience that feels contemporary and yet remains true to the integrity of its original design. Seidler’s legacy provided a framework for both clarity and rigour, while Brisbane’s subtropical character allowed us to overlay warmth, lightness and a sense of ease, resulting in an experience that is sophisticated, welcoming and distinctly modern”, Wiles said.
Hotel interiors will be progressively and comprehensively refurbished, from guestrooms and suites to meeting and event spaces. Level 6 will feature an all-new concierge gallery, including an upgraded arrival area, lobby, and reception.
Club InterContinental will also relocate to Level 6, creating a new destination for the exclusive experience overlooking the Queen Street Mall and Edward Street luxury precinct.
The hotel will also feature a new Argentinian grill restaurant and Italian pasta and wine bar, complemented by a lobby bar reimagined as one of the hotel’s signature destinations.
InterContinental Brisbane will offer a state-of-the-art gym, spa and wellness offering and introduce a reimagined pool deck area.
IFM Investors Head of Development, Real Estate, Tom Waters said that this investment will transform the InterContinental Brisbane.
“We have proudly invested in this unique Seidler-designed building for over two decades. We’re pleased to be partnering with the InterContinental Brisbane to create a 5-star hotel destination in the heart of the city. As a long-term pension capital investor, our focus is on how we can enhance our assets to make them attractive destinations and fit for purpose not just now, but well into the future.”