Big changes revealed for $200 million luxury waterfront hotel

DEVELOPERS have revealed major changes to the $200 million luxury Westin Darwin Hotel planned for the Darwin Waterfront

An artist’s impression of the new Westin Landbridge hotel at the Darwin Waterfront. Picture: Supplied

DEVELOPERS have revealed plans to downsize room numbers at the $200 million luxury Westin Darwin Hotel.

Design plans released by the developer Chinese-owned Landbridge in 2018 outlined that the Westin-run hotel would offer 237 rooms across its eight levels.

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But a development application notice that appeared in the NT News on Friday said there had been changes to stages three and four of the hotel’s development plan, resulting in 201 rooms — not 237 as previously outlined.

The notice, which was lodged by MasterPlan NT, also said the building would have nine levels including a basement level of carparking.

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Landbridge project director Andy Payne said the amount of hotel rooms had decreased due to recent changes in the design and layout.

“The project team has been working closely with Westin Hotels and Resorts, the operator of this new waterfront luxury hotel, to ensure the design meets the needs and high expectations of Westin, its future guests and the people of Darwin,” he said.

“In keeping with its reputation for high-quality service and luxury, we have refined the original design, including some improvements to the internal building layouts.

“These refinements will allow us to further enhance the hotel experience for guests of our 200 plus room hotel.

“Changes to room configuration has resulted in the reduction of the total room numbers to 201 rooms. Once completed, the Westin will be one of the largest hotels in Darwin.”

He said the total building height remains substantially unaltered, and number of levels remains unchanged.

“Strong progress has been made this year, with stage one works progressing on site, being constructed by McMahon Services, NT,” he said.

The Landbridge Group is expecting to call for expressions of interest to construct the hotel later this year.

The hotel is scheduled to open in 2022.