The Lands by Capella

AT A GLANCE

Adaptive reuse: transforms a long-unused, treasured heritage building into a vibrant destination.

A publicly accessible, dynamic hub: a previously hidden architectural gem, reinforcing the area as a cultural and tourism magnet.

Heritage conservation: sympathetic contemporary alterations complement the building’s exceptional character.

The transformation of The Department of Lands — one of Sydney’s most treasured heritage assets — into a thriving public precinct reveals how adaptive reuse is leading the way in regenerative design. 

At the heart of Sydney’s CBD, two grand heritage buildings — the former Department of Education and the newly transformed Department of Lands — come together as the Sandstone Precinct. Reimagined by Hassell for Pontiac Land Group, the Department of Lands, now known as The Lands by Capella, completes the vision for luxury hotel Capella Sydney, seamlessly blending five-star hospitality with the energy of a thriving business hub. 

Unlike many of Sydney’s heritage sites, The Department of Lands building has remained largely unaltered throughout its history. The Victorian Renaissance Revival sandstone facades, grand internal rooms and marbled corridor arcades form its exceptional heritage value and contribution to the city’s identity. The transformation — completed in collaboration with Heritage Architects Purcell (who provided expert conservation guidance on the interiors) — of this underutilised government office into a dynamic, publicly accessible destination will elevate the Sandstone Precinct’s growing reputation, reinforcing its emergence as one of Sydney’s most vibrant cultural and tourism districts.

At the time of its completion in 1893 as part of the Bridge Street Government Precinct, The Department of Lands was one of the largest buildings in Sydney showcasing the latest in building technology. Since 2016, it has remained unused — until now. 

While our design celebrates and respects the building’s heritage, it also creates a more publicly accessible space. Visitors and locals can, for the first time, experience and discover the unique qualities of one of Sydney’s finest buildings — making what was once private a new public treasure. Conceptually, our adaptive reuse approach enabled us to maximise the existing footprint by making the uses fit the building — and not the other way around. Our strategic consolidation of hotel rooms from the Department of Lands into the adjacent Department of Education unlocked a set of complementary hotel offerings, including retail, co-working club rooms, function rooms, restaurants and destination bars that sensitively integrate within the significant heritage fabric.

This transformation involved the thoughtful insertion of building upgrades, such as bathroom amenities and lifts, within the less valuable internal areas that had already been modified. This enabled the more significant historical rooms and spaces around the building’s perimeter to be retained in their original configuration — allowing their prime location and connection to the city to truly shine. 

“At Pontiac Land Group, we believe heritage is meant to be experienced, not just preserved. Through our partnership with Hassell and in collaboration with key stakeholders — NSW Government, City of Sydney, and First Nations advisors — we have meticulously reimagined the former Department of Education and Department of Lands into a thriving destination that showcases Australia’s rich heritage, art, and culture, while seamlessly integrating modern luxury and sophistication.”

David Tsang, Chief Executive Officer, Pontiac Land Group