Expressions of interest close for Darwin Waterfront hotel, next phase begins

Darwin’s hotels market is outperforming the national average, making it the ideal place for a new accommodation hub. We reveal the next phase for a proposed hotel.

Plans to erect a new hotel at the Darwin Waterfront have progressed, with international interest driving the Territory government’s next steps.

Expressions of interest for the Darwin Convention Centre Hotel closed on January 31.

It is now up to the NT government to review and shortlist proposals from the competitive round.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to expand on their entries during a Request for Proposals phase, after which the preferred operator will be selected to complete the project.

Global operators who expressed an interest include Marriott, Accor, TFE, IHG, Radisson, and Event.

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

The new hotel is expected to provide between 200 and 250 rooms for corporate and leisure visitors.

It comes as Darwin’s hotels market outperformed the national average.

“International investors are setting their sights on the Darwin Convention Centre Hotel, and the Territory, because they know this is the place to be,” Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said.

“(Last year) saw our hotels receive a 43.6 per cent boost – which is good for a local retailers and hospitality venues.

“The Darwin Convention Centre Hotel is listed in the NT Infrastructure Plan and Pipeline 2022 as one of the key projects that align with the strategy’s investment objectives, in particular, to invest in the right infrastructure, in the right place, at the right time.”

[e-mail]