Marriott Docklands adds to the Melbourne hotel mix
Melbourne-based developer Capital Alliance has continued with its successful Docklands formula of combining both residential apartments and a luxury hotel within the same building by announcing operator Marriott has committed to its forthcoming project at 3-43 Waterfront Way.
Within close proximity to the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel and Harbour Town retail complex, the tower of some 37 levels will represent the first newly built Marriott hotel in Australia for almost 20 years. While the project is currently at planning, it is expected that the tower will proceed quickly upon receiving approval.
Valued at $250 million, 3-43 Waterfront Way will include 200 Marriott-branded suites in addition to 260 residential apartments. Included will be an rooftop infinity pool with expansive views toward Melbourne's skyline, bar area and dining area which will be open to the public.
Designed by Docklands-based DKO Architecture, 3-43 Waterfront Way will also see a ground level pedestrian link with Docklands Drive, allowing for a previously inactive street frontage to become permeable. Planning documents show 3-43 Waterfront Way's exterior studded with pop-out facade panels which will be complimented by LED highlights applied to the facade.
Approximately 500 jobs are to be created during the build, with 100 permanent jobs created upon completion.
What they say
We are extremely proud to be able to deliver yet another hotel project to Melbourne. We believe that mixed-use developments are the right direction for development in our city and provide the stimuli Docklands needs to flourish. Our vision is to deliver a hotel and apartment project that will be celebrated and draw tourists both internationally and locally to the area.
We envisage the rooftop amenities will provide a unique experience and complement a range of amenities in the building that will be open to both residents, guests and the general public.
Mohan Du, Capital Alliance Managing Director
There is a real demand for hotel accommodation within Melbourne and this hotel will help service the many people looking for accommodation in Docklands, be they tourists or business travellers. Securing the first new-build Marriot hotel in nearly two decades is testament to the capabilities of Capital Alliance and the demand for quality hotel accommodation in the precinct.
Simon Wilson, General Manager Precincts at Places Victoria
We’re really excited to be working alongside Capital Alliance. Melbourne is fast becoming one of the most popular travel destinations throughout the world.
The vibrant culinary scene and unique culture makes this property an ideal addition to our Australian portfolio of properties. Australia will continue to be a vital part of our growth strategy and the Marriott brand will continue with further expansion in 2016.
Raj Menon, Chief Operating Officer, Asia Pacific for Marriott International
The big picture
While the Marriott signing paves the way for Capital Alliance's next project, the developer is approaching the finish line for their first Docklands foray at 679 La Trobe Street. Consisting of both apartments and Melbourne's first Peppers Hotel outlet, M Docklands as it is known will be fully completed in the new year.
Capital Alliance is also expected to deliver a sister development to 3-43 Waterfront Way, namely 26-38 Pearl River Road nearby which will hold in excess of 400 apartments.
The Marriott announcement adds further to Melbourne's blossoming hotel sector with a sizeable number of new projects in the pipeline. Only last month both Ibis and Novotel committed to a new CBD tower while construction continues on QT Hotel on Russell Street and the Four Points by Sheraton also in Docklands.
Above these as many as a dozen new hotels are mooted for varying developments around Melbourne over the next decade.
