Marriott International scopes a new West Melbourne address
Hospitality company Marriott International is moving closer to securing a new West Melbourne hotel presence.
Developer Ousia Properties Pty Ltd submitted during December revised plans for its development site at 50-56 Batman Street, with "the proposed amendments generally required due to the specific design and operational needs of the future hotel operator (The Marriott), which has only been confirmed recently following the grant of the permit."
That permit was given the green light by VCAT during 2017, allowing for a 53 metre tower at a development cost of $29 million.
With Marriott International seemingly on board, Skematics Architects have revised the tower's exterior design and interior configuration to reflect the needs of the likely new operator. Gone is the approved mixed-use hotel and apartment scheme, replaced by a purely hotel-based development of 150 suites.
Initially including 174 hotel suites and 24 apartments, the deletion of apartments within the newer design has allowed the overall size of the hotel suites offered within the tower increase, with a larger proportion of suite and double rooms included. This is likely reflective of the Courtyard by Marriott brand which Marriott International has earmarked as the operator of the West Melbourne hotel.
50-56 Batman Street's refined outcome will be serviced by 42 bicycle bays and basement parking for 37 vehicles.
The tower will be capped by a pool deck, bar and roof terrace for use by hotel patrons. At podium level amenities include a Club Lounge, gym, conference rooms and cafe/bar.
Marriott International's play for a West Melbourne presence shapes as the end game for the development site which was snapped up by Ousia Properties Pty Ltd during 2015. Two initial designs for a mixed-use tower were submitted, with the latter finding approval at the turn of 2017.
For Marriott International the West Melbourne property would be their third inner city presence, following on from the Melbourne Marriott Hotel on the corner of Exhibition & Lonsdale Streets and the approved Marriott Docklands on Waterfront Way.
50-56 Batman Street covers 868 square metres and sits adjacent to a number of other developments both complete or at construction.
Most notable is SPEC Property's Flagstaff Green development of some 200 plus apartments which is at construction. Agent JLL also has for sale a substantial development site on the intersection of Batman and Spencer Streets metres away from the intended Courtyard by Marriott, with the prospects of a mid to high-rise outcome likely.
