The Langham, Sydney, closed its doors on 24 July to begin its AUS$30m (US$28m, €21m, £17m) refurbishment of the lobby, dining areas, guestrooms, ballroom and the addition of signature Langham Hospitality features, such as the afternoon tea room called Palm Court and a luxury Chuan Spa.

The redevelopment is expected to last four months, led by London-based interior design and architecture firm GA Design, reopening in December of this year.

“We are so delighted to finally announce our refurbishment,” said general manager of The Langham Sydney, Sonia Lefevre. “These plans have been a work in progress since we took over the hotel in August 2012.” The hotel was formerly known as The Observatory Hotel.

The 96-bedroom hotel’s existing Day Spa will be transformed into a Chuan Spa – based on the foundations of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a philosophy of which is to create the optimal balance of the Five Wu Xing elements: fire, water, earth, metal and wood to harmonise the body and soul.

The spa will feature facials, massages, and body treatments using German skincare line Babor. The Chuan Spa offers an all-inclusive approach to wellness with a fully-equipped Health Club, whirlpool, steamrooms and a 20m indoor pool (66ft).

Other Chuan Spas can be found in Melbourne, Auckland, Chicago, London, Pasadena, Shanghai Xintiandi, Shenzhen and Guangzhou.

The lobby will have a floor of Calcutta marble with a simple Art Deco-inspired design. A large central reception desk of gold leaf crackled porcelain and the existing staircase will be removed to flood the space with natural light.

The Kent Street Kitchen dining offering will be flexible to provide for intimate functions, with an array of celebrated Australian artworks on the walls – curated exclusively by Sotheby’s.

A much grander space for the existing ballroom is planned, with significant increases in capacity to 200 people for cocktails and 150 for banquet dinners.

“We are very fortunate to be located in such a historic neighbourhood,” added Lefevre. “With The Langham, Sydney, overlooking the revitalisation of Barangaroo and Headland Park, our guests will enjoy views of Western Harbour and lush parklands with direct access to the Sydney Harbour foreshore.”