Westin to operate new $200m GPO hotel and create 250 permanent jobs
THE world’s largest hotel group will check into a new five star, $200 million property at Adelaide’s heart — and it’ll bring 250 permanent jobs to town when it opens in 2022.
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THE world’s largest hotel group will check into a new five star, $200 million property at Adelaide’s heart — and it’ll bring 250 permanent jobs to town when it opens in 2022.
Work will begin in the second half of next year on the hotel — part of the Marriott International group — on the site of the General Post Office (GPO) building that overlooks Victoria Square.
The hotel will be the “height of luxury” according to developer Nicho Teng of Greaton — the firm that is also behind the West Franklin apartments at the west end of the CBD.
It will have 285 rooms in a 15-storey tower and is expected to be completed by 2022.
Marriott International vice president Sean Hunt said it was a strategic decision to bring the Westin brand to Adelaide.
“Visitor numbers are at a record high and are on track to increase by 5.1 per cent in the next ten years as people seek out the beautiful beaches, wineries and beautiful scenery SA is famed for,” he said.
“We have state planning approval but are just waiting for Commonwealth Heritage approval,” he said.
Confirmation is expected later this year.
“The hotel will be second to none,” Mr Hunt said.
It will be the best hotel in Adelaide.
Adelaide Lord Mayor Martin Haese said he had every confidence in the project.
“It is a perfect fit. The GPO building emblematic of the history of this city,” Mr Haese said.
The design by Adelaide architects Hassell will incorporate the existing GPO in a near replica of the Westin hotel in Martin Place in central Sydney.
Coincidentally, the Sydney Westin also fronts its former GPO building.
“The ground floor will have a first class restaurant, a long bar and conference facilities,” Mr Teng said.
The former pupil at Glenunga International High School said he is adamant the project will go ahead and be completed on schedule.
It is in contrast to the last major Adelaide CBD hotel announcement, made in April 2015, about a projected Sofitel hotel on Currie St.
Construction is yet to begin despite an expectation it would be completed this year.
“This will be a true hotel and not mixed use. I am proud of South Australia and my contribution here and this will go ahead.”
There will be three dining venues including an all-day dining restaurant, a tea room and specialty bar.
Leisure facilities will include a fitness studio and a resort-style outdoor swimming pool, plus 310sq m of meeting and event space.
It will also host a 24-hour business centre.
The Westin won’t be the only new property in the area with the adjacent Charter Hall office building due to be completed in September 2019 — it will become the home of mining giant BHP and the State Government.