Expressions of interest open to developers for hotel at Darwin Waterfront

Business and leisure travellers will have a new hotel option as part of the redesigned Darwin Waterfront Masterplan. Watch the video fly-through.

A new hotel will be erected at the Darwin Waterfront, with expressions of interest open for potential developers.

The hotel, expected to offer between 200 and 250 rooms, will be built on the carpark beside the Darwin Convention Centre and integrated into the building.

The hotel will be aimed at a corporate demographic.

CBRE Hotels will lead an international campaign, on behalf of the NT government, to attract an “experienced investor, developer and operator” for the project.

Concept art of the proposed hotel at the Darwin Waterfront. Picture: NT Government

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said the hotel was the first stage in the redesigned Darwin Waterfront Masterplan and support the government’s $40bn economy by 2030 plan.

“The Waterfront is a highlight for locals and tourists and the new hotel will be located in proximity to the convention centre, really capturing both the tourism but also those events and business travellers,” she said.

The hotel replaces the proposed Westin Hotel at the back side of Anchorage Court and while not an exact match for the six-star luxury accommodation, Ms Fyles said the new hotel would be a valuable asset.

“The previous site for the Westin Hotel was touted at that point. It’ll be park lands and some carparking.

Concept art of the proposed hotel at the Darwin Waterfront. Picture: NT Government

“Into the future as part of the expansion of the Waterfront it will potentially be a hotel at some point, but we believe this location, 200 to 250 rooms right adjacent to the convention centre, that investment, that private investment will help us underpin the Waterfront into the future.”

Ms Fyles, when asked if the Northern Territory’s current crime crisis would hinder potential investors, was confident the NT’s success would “not be hampered”.

“The Northern Territory is on the cusp of a significant economy boost,” she said.

“We’re seeing significant investment, we found our confidence during Covid.

“Crime and anti-social behaviour has been an issue and continues to be an issue and we are working at that.

“I’m confident that the Northern Territory’s success will not be hampered into the future.”