Development Projects
At EVT we’re always finding new ways of maximising our assets to grow revenue and value, all while enhancing the community.
From creative layout changes at existing locations to longer term major developments, see below for a selection of current projects already underway.
Section:
New Development
525 George Street, Sydney
EVT owns 525 George Street, Sydney CBD which is currently operating as part of the Event Cinemas George Street location.
Reimagining this prime real estate is a key development project to unlock future earnings and grow asset value.
The multi-purpose development includes:
- 550m2 retail space;
- 292 Hotel rooms;
- Conference space, bar and restaurant;
- 100 residential apartments;
- 5 luxury cinema screens
- 114 car parking spaces
In May 2023, the stage 2 Development Application for this property was approved. Our key partners working alongside the EVT Development and Design team are Candalepas Associates, Touchstone Partners and Planning Labs.
The timing of the development will be subject to market conditions.
458 George Street, Sydney
EVT owns significant real estate on the corner of George St and Market St, in the heart of the Sydney CBD. This property currently includes QT Sydney, The State Theatre and approximately 1,800sqm of prime retail space. In addition, EVT owns the commercial office building at 478 George St which serves as the EVT head office.
Adjoining these properties is 458-472 George Street, which was acquired in 2017.
The proposed mixed-use development includes the following:
- Extension of the QT Hotel with approximately 70 additional rooms and conference space;
- 300m2 of retail space; and
- Potential new hotel tower
In collaboration with award winning architects Candalepas Associates, the extension of the QT Hotel, conference and retail space has received development approval. A Stage 1 DA has been lodged with the City of Sydney for the commercial office tower component.
Upgrades
LyLo Brisbane
EVT have recently purchased Limes Boutique Hotel, Fortitude Valley Brisbane and is currently being refurbished and rebranded under the LyLo brand.
The property will feature a mix of LyLo accommodation including; pod rooms; ensuite rooms and introducing LyLo family rooms, along with a unique rooftop communal space.
The new LyLo hotel is anticipated to open in the first half of 2024.
Key Partner on this project includes CTRL Space Design.
Thredbo snow making
Ahead of winter 2023 Thredbo added another 5 fans guns to the mid slopes of the Supertrail increasing the capacity across the lower areas of the mountain. The resort continued with its pipeline replacement and expansion to the mid slopes of the supertrail.
These upgrades have been designed to provide more consistent coverage throughout the resort, from season start to end. Ongoing snowmaking enhancements and upgrades will continue.
Thredbo Alpine Coaster
EVT is dedicated to bringing the best year-round attractions to Thredbo. The installation of the Thredbo Alpine Coaster is currently in development. This rollercoaster-like toboggan amusement attraction will wind 1,040m through alpine and subalpine vegetation zones, from the top of Lovers Leap to the Valley Terminal precinct. Works have commenced with construction expected to be completed by mid 2024.
Thredbo MTB Trails
Thredbo is continuing its MTB trail expansion including:
- 2 new beginner and intermediate trails completed for summer 2023.
- Planning is underway for 2 new trails in 2024 as well as additions to the current trails to enhance the guest MTB experience.
Event Cinemas Macarthur Square (Campbelltown)
The premiumisation upgrade of Event Cinemas Macarthur Square will continue in 2024.
Three auditorium refurbishments were completed in 2023, including the introduction of Sydney’s first ScreenX as well as options for customers to upgrade their seats and all new Private Box seats in V-Max.
In 2024, refurbishment works will include additional premium concepts, upgrades to the Gold Class auditoriums and lounge, a completely revitalised retail marketplace, and a new PLAY amusements space.
Event Cinemas Castle Hill
The premiumisation upgrade of Event Cinemas Castle Hill will continue in 2024.
Two V-Max auditorium refurbishments were completed in 2023, featuring options for customers to upgrade their seats to Full Recliner and Double Daybed seats.
In 2024, refurbishment works will include further auditorium upgrades.
Event Cinemas Burwood
The premiumisation upgrade of Event Cinemas Burwood will commence in 2024 with auditorium refurbishments featuring options for customers to upgrade their seats to Full Recliner and Double Daybed seats.
Event Cinemas Marion
The premiumisation upgrade of Event Cinemas Marion will commence in 2024 and will include auditorium refurbishments featuring options for customers to upgrade their seats to Full recliner and Double Daybed seats and introducing new Private Box seats in V-Max.
BCC Rockhampton
In 2024, BCC Cinemas Rockhampton will undergo a premiumisation upgrade featuring:
- Refurbishment of all six auditoriums including new premium concepts as well as options for customers to upgrade their seats.
- Introduction of a new PLAY amusements space.
- Introduction of a new self-serve F&B retail marketplace.
- Revitalisation of foyer and ammenities.
Past Projects
IMAX Sydney Darling Harbour reopens
In late 2023, IMAX Sydney reopened featuring laser technology and EVT’s innovative signature seating, redefining cinema with one of the world’s largest IMAX screens.
The development includes:
- 693 m2 screen
- 325 seats, plus disabled seating space
- 4K laser projection system that features a new optical engine, custom designed lenses, and a suite of proprietary technology that delivers the widest range of colours exclusive to IMAX screens.
EVT is working in collaboration with Greaton (developer), PMNSW (head Lessor), Rothelowman (Architect), Abacorp (Builder).
Rydges Melbourne Hotel
EVT flagship Rydges Melbourne re-opened in July 2023.
The major upgrade programme featured:
- Complete upgrade and refurbishment of 370 hotel rooms including a mixture of standard rooms, suites and apartments;
- Expansion of the conferencing and event spaces including a new 500sqm ballroom and outdoor spaces
- Refurbished lobby and ground floor restaurant and bar
- Upgraded pool area
- A new food and beverage experience, Bossley Bar and Grill
Cook Street, Auckland
The EVT hotel strategy expanded into the budget sector with the 2020 acquisition of New Zealand based, Jucy Snooze.
Recognising an opportunity to create high quality micro-accommodation, EVT is reimagining the budget experience creating multi-purpose spaces where customers can play, eat, work and sleep.
Designed for savvy travellers and digital nomads, rooms include spacious, secure and connected PODS; design-led double rooms; and generous social and co-working spaces
Development includes;
- Miss Lucy’s Bar and restaurant
- 190 sleep pods – with in-built USBs, powerpoints and lockable storage
- 40 double rooms
- 70 ensuite double rooms
- Shared kitchen, dining and laundry
The flagship location at 54 Cook St, Auckland, opened in December 2022.
QT Gold Coast
EVT combined designer luxe and coastal cool in QT Gold Coast’s reimagining, completed in 2022.
The project included:
- Conference area expansion including a transformation of the QT Ballroom, offering a new range of spaces for all event needs;
- Upgrade of all 298 guest rooms and suites;
- A transformation of the poolside precinct
New accommodation experience:
The 600m2 ballroom rooftop, will be transformed to introduce a new concept for QT, qtQT. 6 boutique cabins will perch within lush surrounds, perfect for al fresco functions, connected experiences and prime for relaxation.
The investment has brought this designer playground to life and solidifies QT’s standing as an industry leader in design-led event spaces and accommodation.
Thredbo lift replacement
Following the construction of the Merritts Gondola launched for winter 2020 and the Easy Rider T-Bar replacement for winter 2022, Thredbo will roll out a comprehensive lift replacement plan over the next eight years – including replacing the Snowgums Chairlift and Gunbarrel Chairlift with high-speed six-seater chairlifts. This will increase lifting capacity by up to 40%.
Thredbo added a ‘Magic Carpet’ conveyor lift on Friday Flat for winter 2023 to create a children’s specific learning area.
Thredbo MTB trails
For summer 22/23, 3 new beginner and intermediate gravity trails opened in the Cruiser area, with the Cruiser Chairlift set to operate for its first ever summer.
Adding 4.4km of graded trails to Thredbo’s 35km network of gravity trails, the Cruiser MTB Park will offer beginner and intermediate trails.
Future developments include additional beginner and intermediate trails, a beginner jumps park and a skills park.
New intermediate to advanced trails are planned from the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift, adding to the already extensive trail network.
Event Cinemas Earlville
Event Cinemas Earlville underwent a rebrand to Event Cinemas and premiumisation upgrade featuring:
- Refurbishment of all 6 screens.
- Introduction of new V-Max with YCYW premium seat options.
- Introduction of new Standard+ premium seats to four Original auditoriums.
- Introduction of new PLAY amusements space.
- Revitalisation of FOH, retail, and amenities.
- Works completed in December 2022.
BCC Earlville is a long standing EVT location and has been a part of the portfolio for 21 years.
BCC Cinemas Strathpine
BCC Strathpine underwent a premiumisation upgrade featuring:
- Refurbishment of all eight screens
- Introduction of two Recline cinemas with premium seating.
- Revitalisation of FOH areas, amenities
- New BCC branding
- Works completed December 2022
BCC Strathpine is a long standing EVT location and has been a part of the company’s portfolio since 1989.
Event Cinemas Chermside
Event Cinemas Chermside underwent a premiumisation upgrade. The location opened in late 2022, featuring:
- V-Max with daybed, recliner and premium fixed back seating options;
- Additional Gold Class screens;
- A new 4DX multi-sensory auditorium;
- Revitalised original auditoriums including premium seating options;
- New data-led retail marketplace;
- Upgraded amenities
Westfield Chermside is the largest retail and lifestyle destination in Queensland.
Event Cinemas Innaloo
Event Cinemas Innaloo has always been an institution in the Perth entertainment scene. In late 2022, Innaloo unveiled the following premiumisation upgrade:
- V-Max with daybed, recliner and premium fixed back seating options;
- Upgraded and expanded Gold Class lounge;
- Revitalised original auditoriums including premium seating options;
- New data-led retail marketplace;
- Upgraded amenities
The reimagining of Innaloo will captivate customers with movie memories for the next generation. The premium cinema reinvestment program at Innaloo has continued in 2023.
Event Cinemas Queensgate
EVT brought a new cinema are to Wellington in late 2022. Event Cinemas Queensgate now features:
- V-Max with daybed, recliner and premium fixed back seating options;
- New Zealand’s latest IMAX cinema;
- Revitalised original auditoriums including premium seating options;
- New PLAY games zone
Following the redevelopment works at Queensgate Shopping, the cinema is now one of the largest cinema complex in the region.
