The Ultimo Haymarket Hotel - Building Services Upgrade

Value: $750k

Builder / Client: Farindon Constructions

Business Segment / Industry: Hotel Refurbishment

Location: Haymarket, Sydney CBD

Project Overview

PSB Air delivered a comprehensive building services upgrade for The Ultimo Hotel, located in the heart of Sydney’s Chinatown. The project included a third-floor expansion and refurbishment to enhance guest experience while modernising existing building services.

The Challenge

The project required delivery within a dense CBD environment while:

Maintaining hotel and retail operations throughout construction.
Integrating new services into an existing, operational building.
Managing restricted access and complex logistics in a high-traffic urban area.
Coordinating multiple trades within tight construction timeframes.

The Solution

PSB Air implemented a fully integrated services upgrade:

Installation of a VRV air-conditioning system with intelligent centralised controls.
Upgrades to mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and fire services.
Extension and integration of services to support 33 new hotel rooms.

Approach

The works were carefully staged and coordinated:

Detailed planning to minimise disruption to hotel operations.
Close collaboration with builder and stakeholders to manage sequencing.
Strategic installation and commissioning to align with operational requirements.

Problem-Solving Expertise

PSB Air overcame spatial and operational constraints by adapting system layouts and integrating new infrastructure into existing services. Careful coordination and staging ensured continuous operation of the hotel while delivering a seamless upgrade.

The Results

The completed project delivered a modernised hotel environment that:

Supports increased capacity with 33 new rooms.
Provides reliable, energy-efficient climate control.
Maintains comfort and performance across all guest areas.
Demonstrates PSB Air’s ability to deliver complex refurbishments in live hospitality environments.

Planning a Live Hotel Refurbishment or Building Services Upgrade?

PSB Air works with builders and project teams to deliver practical, coordinated services solutions in live hospitality environments where staging, access, and continuity matter. Get in touch with our team to discuss your next refurbishment, expansion, or upgrade project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the challenges of upgrading building services in a live hotel environment?

Live hotel projects require careful planning to maintain guest comfort and ongoing operations while construction is underway. On projects like The Ultimo, this means coordinating new and existing services, managing staging, and working within restricted access conditions without compromising performance.

Why was VRV air conditioning suitable for this hotel refurbishment?

VRV air conditioning was well suited to this project because it provided efficient, flexible climate control across an expanded hotel environment. With intelligent centralised controls, the system supported reliable performance, improved energy efficiency, and consistent comfort across guest areas.

Can PSB Air deliver commercial air conditioning installation in operational buildings?

Yes. PSB Air delivers commercial air conditioning installation for operational environments where access, logistics, and continuity are critical. The Ultimo Hotel project demonstrates PSB Air’s ability to install and integrate new systems within an existing building while keeping the site functional throughout the works.

What should clients look for in an air conditioning company for hotel refurbishments?

When selecting an air conditioning company Sydney project teams should look for experience in live environments, staged delivery, and integration with broader building services. Hotel refurbishments require practical coordination, strong technical knowledge, and systems that perform reliably in both existing and newly upgraded spaces.