The scheme was developed in response to a limited, international design competition. The site was on elevated land at the southern end of Constitution Avenue in a commanding position, overlooking the city.

Woodhead was successful in winning the competition with a design based on the traditional Mogul gardens. Within this formal delimitation of the site, the main building elements of hotel, apartments, offices and retail centre were placed. A formal garden in the Mogul style was also included as an amenity for the apartments and hotel.

The planning involved a great deal of interconnectivity between buildings with a focus on the level of facilities available to the hotel and apartments on a shared basis. The simplicity of the site plan and the buildings' structure to make for cost effective luxury, ensured this entry stood out.