Luxury meets legacy in Sydney’s new ‘The Lands by Capella’

• Sydney’s new luxury lifestyle precinct has been unveiled as ‘The Lands by Capella’.
• It’s set to open early 2026 and is located in the former Department of Lands building, between Circular Quay, Macquarie and George Streets.
• Spanning 10,000 square metres, the building will house retail outlets, event spaces, restaurants and even a rooftop dining area.

The former Department of Lands, located at the cross-sections of Circular Quay, Macquarie and George Streets, is about to become a bustling luxury lifestyle hub. Pontiac Land Group are “reawakening” the heritage-listed sandstone building, creating ‘The Lands by Capella’, a 10,000 square metres building housing premium retail outlets, event spaces and restaurants.

The building will neighbour Capella Sydney, a five-star hotel inside the former Department of Education building. The development of Capella was the beginning of the Sandstone Precinct project.

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What is the Sandstone Precinct?

The Sandstone Precinct is a project designed to restore public access to the heritage-listed buildings while also preserving their historical significance. Once completed, ‘The Lands by Capella’ precinct will breathe new life into the restored heritage-listed building, following in the footsteps of Capella Sydney’s transformation of the Department of Education building.

Pontiac Land Group, the developers of the project, have been entrusted with the job of bringing the Sandstone Precinct to life. CEO David Tsang stated, “The Lands by Capella highlights our continued commitment to creating extraordinary places where history, craft, culture, and local community are honoured.”

The new precinct will aim to attract luxury travellers and chic Sydneysiders alike, offering an elegant venue for events as well as refined dining and upscale retail experiences. NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Stephen Kamper, spoke of his excitement for the continued progress of the project:

“The naming of the Department of Lands building marks a defining moment in the evolution of the Sandstone Precinct as a world-class destination”.

“This landmark transformation of one of Sydney’s most celebrated heritage sites will only further activate and rejuvenate Circular Quay.

“The Lands by Capella is a stellar example of what can be achieved when public and private sectors work together for outcomes that respect the past while looking boldly to the future.”

What will the luxury lifestyle precinct look like?

Not much is known about the retail spaces and restaurants that will populate the building. However, it has been announced that it will be home to ‘The Sandstones Club’ by Florence Guild, a business that curates spaces including boutiques, bars and restaurants with the aim to “champion the power, and outcome of togetherness”.

They’re known for curating popular Melbourne restaurant Freyja, and if that’s any indication of what they’ve got planned, Sydney diners are in for a treat.

The building will also cater to the thriving business district that it finds itself in, with spaces perfect for corporate events, including large-scale spaces for hosting bigger audiences.

Renowned for its five-star amenities, golden sandstone façade, curated art collection and elegant interiors, Capella Sydney sets a high standard. If that’s any indication, ‘The Lands by Capella’ is poised to become one of Sydney’s most stunning lifestyle precincts.

Stay tuned for more information.