Australia’s first 1 Hotel to feature in $450m Seafarers project on Yarra River’s northbank

A neglected site on the Yarra River’s northbank is set for a $450 million makeover. See the plans for luxury nature-inspired hotel here.

A nature-inspired hotel will feature in the $450 million redevelopment of a neglected northbank site.

Australia’s first 1 Hotel will open at Riverlee’s Seafarers project at Flinders Wharf.

Part of the Starwood group, the hotel will have 280 rooms, a wellness centre, a 1000-seat function centre and lobby bar.

WORLD-CLASS PRECINCT PLANNED FOR YARRA RIVER’S NORTHBANK

HISTORIC DOCKS CRANE RESTORED FOR SEAFARERS PROJECT

$450M NORTHBANK REDEVELOPMENT GETS PLANNING APPROVAL

1 Hotel Central Park, New York

It will have “a distinctly Melburnian vibe … with calm, radiant energy and incredible artwork,” says a statement by the project partners.

“Inside, playful expressions of sea life will be coupled with soft, unexpected touches — such as spaces carved from reclaimed objects and portals that link 1 Hotel Melbourne’s building to surrounding buildings,” it said.

1 Hotel opened its first three hotels in the US, including near New York’s Central Park and Miami’s South Beach.

Artist image of Seafarers project on the Yarra River.

Riverlee development director David Lee said his firm was thrilled to be bringing the nation’s first 1 Hotel to the banks of the Yarra River.

“It’s the hotel’s commitment to celebrating the history of the site — once the site of

Melbourne’s busiest port — that will contribute to delivering a truly bespoke hotel experience,” he said.

Starwood’s SH Hotels & Resorts president Arash Azarbarzin said the group wanted to create the “finest destination in the heart of Melbourne”.

Jobs, Innovation and Trade Minister Martin Pakula said Riverlee’s investment will create more than 500 jobs.

“Securing one of the world’s top luxury hotel operators in Victoria is a clear vote of confidence in our visitor economy, our world-class infrastructure, our exceptional local produce and retail talent,” he said.

The Seafarers project, which includes redevelopment of historic Goods Shed No. 5 and restoration of a crane, will include 140 luxury residences.

1 Hotel is due to open in 2022.

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@JMasanauskas