Gold Coast Airport Rydges Hotel to open in 2020

Construction could begin on the $50 million Rydges-branded hotel at the Gold Coast Airport in the coming months, creating at least 90 jobs. Here's when it will open.

CONSTRUCTION will start on a $50 million Rydges-branded hotel at the Gold Coast Airport as early as January, creating 90 construction jobs and 60 ongoing positions once the building is completed in 2020.

The seven-storey hotel, with views over Kirra Beach and across the runway, will include a rooftop bar and viewing deck, and have 192 rooms and suites.

Speaking at the 2018 DestinationQ Forum at the Gold Coast Convention Centre yesterday, Queensland Airports Limited chief executive officer Chris Mills said the hotel and airport upgrades were being driven by an improving tourism industry and investment in the region.

Artists impressions of the Gold Coast Airport redevelopment, including the Rydges Airport Hotel. Photo: Supplied

“It’ll be January-February when the construction starts,” he said.

“All the approvals are there, we have the developer, we have the operator and we have the designs.

“It is really now just matters of detail around site preparation and then we are getting on with the build in the new year.

“On that basis, that means the hotel opens in 2020.”

He said QAL had forecast for passenger numbers to increase from 6.6 million a year to 16.6 million by 2037.

Margaret Milton and Sarah Bowers at Qld Tourism Awards at The Star Gold Coast. Picture: Regina King

Maddi Arthars at Qld Tourism Awards at The Star Gold Coast. Picture: Regina King

“Every airport is a gateway to that destination and people are coming to the Coast, and it is the investment in the Gold Coast that drives it all,” Mr Mills said.

“Over the last year we have spent about $90 million on airside works, new apron parking positions and we have invested in civil works to prepare for the terminal upgrades next year.”

Destination Gold Coast chairman Paul Donovan said the Glitter Strip’s crown as the tourism capital was shining.

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“The development on the Gold Coast with 30 cranes in the sky, the most luxurious high rise being built, more rides at our theme parks coming online — the place is in a fabulous position,” he said.

“There were 200 people on the waiting list to get into the awards night because it is on the Gold Coast and everyone wants to be a part of it.

“They want to be a part of the holiday mecca, the holiday playground in the Southern Hemisphere.”

Mr Donovan said “huge investment by QAL’s shareholders” was an example of what the Gold Coast needed to continue to increase its tourist numbers.

“Tourist spend is growing at a great rate but we cannot rest on our laurels,” he said.

“We need to continue to develop the attractions of the hinterland, increase the drive market and keep pushing the critical growth to ensure we get longer stays and more spending.”