25hrs OLYMPIA PADDINGTON
Completed 2026
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: PUBLIC AREAS
Australia's first 25Hours hotel is defined by the cultural imprints of the original West Olympia Theatre in Sydney, with the building's 'Art House' roots entwined with layers of cinematic expression and a vibrantly rebellious artistic community.
The historic building is located on the corner of Oxford St and South Dowling St in Sydney. The building had been the first theatre in Sydney-The Olympia, then evolved into a cinema -the Odeon and later the Greater Union- Academy Twin. There had also been an infamous first storey Bar—the Grand Pacific Blue Room frequented by the local celebrities of film/ music/theatre/press.
The Sydney Art House scene was prevalent in the 1970’s. It was a fertile and feral time of cultural awakening.
CC from Mallow designs under the architects’ TZG umbrella- developed a narrative of great intrigue -the hotel was to be “A place for the larrikins, mavericks, ratbags, poets, painters & musicians.”
The narrative influenced all interior design on Ground floor, Reception Lobby and B1 Event spaces including the Odeon the in-house small cinema. With the inspiration of Masha Golemac-our art curator-objects and art pieces were selected and commissioned to illustrate the evolution of the moving image.
‘From the abstract and modern, to the whimsical and nostalgic, to the overly literal and slightly mad, the space will encourage engagement whilst allowing guests to cultivate their own vision.’
INTERIOR DESIGN TEAM:
Shelley Indyk - Project Architect
Daniel Villanueva
Daniel Giraldo
Johan Van Arkel
Issac Smeke
CLIENT:
Central Element / Boston Global Group
BRAND:
ACCOR ENNISMORE 25h
BUILDER:
Richard Crookes Constructions