Sydney’s historic Lands and Education buildings on Bridge Street will be overhauled into a world-class luxury hotel. Known as 'The Sandstones' the heritage listed, century old buildings have a $300 million facelift in stall for them from Singapore-based property developer Pontiac Land Group.

Minister for Finance, Services and Property Dominic Perrottet said the heritage redevelopment would allow locals and visitors to enjoy the history and heritage of the Sandstones for the first time since they were built in the late 1800s.

“These designs put more than 100 years of history and heritage on show, while at the same time promising all the features of a truly world-leading hotel,” Mr Perrottet said.

The Sandstones are subject to strict heritage protections, and the development will need to comply with Conservation Management Plans, endorsed by the NSW Heritage Council.

Make Architects, at UK based firm, have been appointed to work on the refurbishment and said they understand how important it was to listen to the building when working on heritage listed property.

The new development will include a rooftop winter garden, refurbished domes and temples, an octagonal meeting room, and a reopened horse and carriageway. The ground-level is set to include retail and dining areas, all with access to the public.

"These iconic heritage assets will be enjoyed by locals, tourists and visitors, rather than just being used as offices for bureaucrats," Mr Perrottet said.

Modeling from Deloitte Access Economics estimates that Pontiac’s hotel development will deliver a boost to the NSW economy of more than $185 million over 20 years, and create hundreds of jobs.

Singapore-based Pontiac Land Group lodged its Development Application (DA) for the planned transformation. The DA will be considered for approval by the Department of Planning and Environment, and will be on public exhibition from November 17 to December 13. 

Construction is expected to start in 2018.