Crown boss James Packer: on plans for Queensbridge Hotel Tower

CROWN boss James Packer has warned Melbourne needs to “keep pace” with Asia, as he speaks in-depth for the first time about his passion behind his bold new plans for the city.

Queensbridge Hotel tower, plans

EXCLUSIVE: CROWN boss James Packer warns Melbourne needs to “keep pace” with Asia, as he spoke in-depth for the first time about his passion behind his bold new plans for the city.

The 47-year-old told the Herald Sun exclusively about his hopes that his $1.5 billion plans for a 90-storey tower on Southbank come to fruition.

The development, first unveiled by the Herald Sun on Monday, would feature 388 six-star hotel rooms and 680 luxury units if it gets approval.

“If we’re lucky enough to build this hotel, we’re going to make sure it’s something this city is very proud of,” he said.

An artist’s impression of the inside of the Queensbridge Hotel Tower.

Speaking about the importance of his proposed Queensbridge Hotel Tower project, Packer said he felt “privileged” to be part of the city but it needed to keep up with competition in Asia.

“Every day new luxury hotels are opening in Asia and Australia needs to keep pace,” he warned.

“Australia is a long way from the rest of the world and if we’re going to convince high net worth visitors to fly over much closer destinations like Hong Kong and Singapore to visit Melbourne, we need to make sure we’re offering them a great experience.”

The father of three, who is currently travelling “almost constantly” between his various Crown Resorts projects in Asia, London and Australia, as well as working on his RatPac film-funding business in Los Angeles, said he loved being part of Melbourne life.

“Melbourne is Crown’s home, it’s our largest resort and despite all our global expansion, it remains Crown’s head office. I feel privileged to have our resort here and be part of this community.”

James Packer says he feels “privileged” to be part of Melbourne but the city needs to keep up with competition in Asia. Picture: Dylan Robinson

The Crown executive director, who has become a household name in the US over recent months due to his relationship with singer Mariah Carey, told how the current three Melbourne Crown hotels were constantly full and often had to turn away customers.

“Despite our investment and expansion our hotels are almost at full capacity year round,” he said.

“We’re literally turning away valuable interstate and overseas tourists.

“This new hotel will help us satisfy some of that demand, and that can only be good for Melbourne and jobs because it will mean more tourists spending in the local economy.”

Over the last 10 years Crown has spent $1.8 billion upgrading and opening new attractions, he added.

“I’m so proud of all we’ve done,” he said.

@luciemorrismarr