Marriott announces 200-room AC Hotel as part of Ringwood’s East End multi-tower project

Details of an unprecedented multi-tower development slated for Maroondah Highway have emerged, with a 200-room Marriott hotel, penthouses and public plaza in the bold blueprint. SEE PICTURES

The East End development is planned for 28-30 Maroondah Highway in Ringwood: Picture: CHT Architects.

A 200-room hotel, a public plaza and penthouses are planned for an unprecedented three-tower development on Ringwood’s doorstep.

Marriott will open the second Australian hotel in its AC Hotel chain as part of the East End project at 28-30 Maroondah Highway, which will include Maroondah’s tallest building.

The hotel, to be developed by Sunstone Projects, will be in the first of three towers planned at the site and will have 200 rooms, five suites and three function rooms over eight storeys.

An artist's impression of the front entrance of Marriott's Ringwood hotel, set to open in 2024.

Penthouses, apartments and a co-working space are mooted for the other two towers, along with a public plaza with shopping, cafes, restaurants, entertainment outlets and a gym.

According to developer CHT Architects, all three towers will be connected by a U-shaped podium.

Marriott International Australia, New Zealand and Pacific vice president Sean Hunt said the Ringwood plans signified “a new wave of expansion” for the chain.

Marriott’s first AC Hotel is set to open in Southbank next year, followed by Ringwood in 2024.

An artist's impression of the East End development.

“In Australia, we’ve seen a rise in domestic travel and travel to destinations outside the main cities, which is driving demand for quality accommodation in more regional or suburban areas,” he said.

“Victoria is no exception, and we’re excited to introduce this tailored hotel experience to Ringwood.”

A render of the East End hotel plaza.

The East End development, formally known as ‘The Ring’, was approved by Maroondah Council following a VCAT hearing in 2018.

It allowed for three towers up to 19 storeys.

The East End development, formerly known as The Ring, will be a landmark for Ringwood, located just off EastLink. Picture: CHT Architects.

Orion International later sold the permit to another developer — listed by Maroondah Council as The Ring Pty Ltd — who proposed a series of amendments including the hotel. The council approved the amendments on August 19.

MORE: EASTLAND’S BUILDING A HUGE OFFICE TOWER

REBORN NIGHTCLUB SET FOR SUMMER OPENING

HOTEL BEING BUILT OPPOSITE SEX SHOP

Demolition and clearing works at the site — the former home of Ringwood’s Iceland skating rink — were carried out earlier this year.

Mayor Rob Steane previously told Maroondah Leader the development was appropriate for the site as it provided a gateway to Maroondah.

The council later introduced a 10-storey height limit in the Ringwood activity centre.

“It was the unique location and site conditions of this ‘landmark’ subject site, which are not

found elsewhere on other sites, that warranted consideration of a taller building form,” he said.

Marriott International’s senior director of hotel development Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Richard Crawford, said the AC Hotels brand was known for its “refined approach to design and its European-inspired touches”.

“We know it will be an exciting addition to the East End development and Ringwood area,” he said.

The timeline for the rest of East End is unclear.

[e-mail]