In a city renowned for its breathtaking views, is this iconic revamped rooftop about to be crowned Sydney's most spectacular?
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Fashion heir and Merivale chief executive Justin Hemmes will on unveil the latest stage of his grand makeover at the Coogee Pavilion on Tuesday – a showpiece rooftop featuring four indoor and outdoor bars, a sweeping balcony and arguably the best panoramic shoreline views a Sydney social venue has to offer.
Hemmes describes the property's reinvention as the one he is "most proud of," adding: "It's everything we've ever done elsewhere, all blended into one venue."
"I grew up by the water and to me, Sydney is about the outdoors, the sea, the sun, sand and surf. This place is the epitome of that," Hemmes told The Sun-Herald. "It's smack bang on the ocean, surrounded by parkland, it's got a 270-degree view."
Over the past 15 years, Hemmes, a self confessed heritage nut, has snapped up several historic Sydney properties and with a nod to their old charms, provided a modern, stylish reboot.
After he purchased the fire-gutted former George Patterson House in George Street and transformed the landmark into the nine storey Establishment complex, he unveiled Sydney's most flamboyant rooftop pool bar in 2008 as part of the $160 million "Ivy" site.
Now he is midway through his "most exciting" venture yet, transforming Coogee's iconic three level Beach Palace Hotel from a tired and worn local pub.
After a successful ground floor rollout in August, stage two of the renamed "Pavilion" sees the launch of a conservatory style rooftop overflowing with lush greenery. Hemmes explained how "Mr Wylie", a fictional character named after the heritage listed baths at South Coogee, came to be the creative inspiration and concept behind the new "rooftop oasis".
"It's a remarkable space. I can't wait for people to see it."
Other top rooftop retreats:
The Glenmore, The Rocks
The Local Taphouse, Darlinghurst
Shangri-La Hotel, The Rocks
Royal Hotel, Paddington
Hotel Sweeney's, Sydney