Potential new hotel aims to reawaken Bundaberg’s accommodation landscape

Bundaberg may welcome a brand new contemporary-modern hotel to its ranks if a development application is approved for Airport Drive.

Artist renditions show plans for the proposed MVP Hotel planned for Airport Drive, Kensington. Image credit: Insight SJC.

The developers of a potential new hotel in Bundaberg aim to seize the growing demand for contemporary accommodations, catering to tourists who prefer a convenient stay without having to venture to Bargara.

If approved by the Bundaberg Regional Council, the hotel would be built on the corner of Airport Drive and Commercial Street in Kensington, making it one of the first buildings tourists would see upon leaving the airport.

The hotel promises a contemporary and modern architectural design, built to stand out from the commercial and industrial development of the suburb, all designed by local architect Tomas O’Malley.

Artist renditions show the entry way for the proposed MVP Hotel planned for Airport Drive, Kensington. Image credit: Insight SJC.

Insight SJC, who submitted the development application on behalf of MVP Bundaberg Pty Ltd, said the three story building would “reinforces Bundaberg as an emerging regional city that can offer high quality short-stay accommodation options proximate to a regionally significant airport.”

The hotel would offer 48 standard room, alongside an additional 21 rooms of varying size and eight spa rooms across its three residential buildings, complimented by a pool, gym, conference room, restaurant and bar.

When justifying the need for the development, the application was critical of Bundaberg’s existing hotel network which forces many to drive across town to Bargara for a classier accommodation offering.

Plans for the proposed MVP Hotel planned for Airport Drive, Kensington. Image credit: Insight SJC.

“The existing establishments in the broader locality are older, placed at the lower spectrum of the market and unable to accommodate large scale demand,” the development application said.

“It would also seek to capture the overnight and short-stay market that may currently be missed due to travellers not wishing to stay in Bargara which is a significant distance from the airport.”

“The lack of modern, large style accommodation in the Bundaberg city is considered an impediment to reaching full demand for short stay accommodation.”

Artist renditions show plans for the proposed MVP Hotel planned for Airport Drive, Kensington. Image credit: Insight SJC.

According to the application more than 1.5 million people visit the Bundaberg region annually, with more than 10 per cent coming directly through the airport itself.

However despite this impressive tourism demand, according to the application Bundaberg has not built a new, branded four star and above hotel in the region since 1994.

“The demand for short-stay market generated by the corporate and government sector is expected to grow due to the completion of the Bundaberg Multiplex and the soon to be completed Recreational Aquatic Centre that would cater for large scale corporate and sporting events,” the application said.