Grand Hyatt Melbourne checks in for a retail revamp

The five-star hotel is being revamped to include a new retail podium that will complement its accommodation offering.

The Grand Hyatt in Melbourne is set to undergo an upgrade. Picture: Getty Images

Melbourne may be awash with ambitious new hotel developments, but it has stagnant occupancies as a result. Nevertheless, Singapore’s Grand Hotel Group is forging ahead with plans for a major mixed-use redevelopment of its Grand Hyatt Hotel.

The Tuan Sing-controlled Grand Hotel Group instructed Urbis Ltd to submit a town planning application to the City of Melbourne for a major mixed-use redevelopment of its 550-room Grand Hyatt Hotel fronting 121-131 Collins Street and 23-25 George Parade – a hotel it at one stage had planned to demolish.

“The plan is to redefine the landmark location in Melbourne, infusing it with a modern, luxury, multi-level retail and enhanced hotel experience, while preserving its historic character,” a statement reads.

The proposal outlines plans to upgrade the property’s podium from levels four to its podium rooftop, to introduce a dynamic luxury retail and food and beverage precinct.

GHG’s plans for the podium include a complete transformation of the facade, which would be designed to enhance the streetscape and increase activation along Collins Street, bringing new energy to this vibrant part of Melbourne’s “Paris End”.

GHG’s proposed redevelopment seeks to retain much of the existing podium structure, allowing business operations for tenants and the Grand Hyatt Hotel to continue as usual throughout construction.

The renovation will focus on facade modifications, as well as reconfiguration of spaces. The design reimagines the space with a goal of enhancing the public realm through inviting entrances and increased foot traffic, enriching Russell Street, Flinders Lane, and George Parade.

Upon completion of the redevelopment works, and subject to regulatory approvals, the site will encompass about 84,500sq m.

GHG owner Tuan Sing’s chief executive, William Liem, said the podium redevelopment at 123 Collins Street would redefine connectedness and activation at one of the Paris End’s most prominent intersections.

“We’re embracing the opportunity to extend the life of an iconic building while enriching the public realm through thoughtful design and sustainability,” Mr Liem said.

“With the right approach, this transformation can be an architectural statement of our environmental stewardship.

“By reimagining rather than rebuilding, we’re pursuing an inherently sustainable vision that supports a thriving, connected, and culturally ­vibrant Melbourne for generations to come.”

Tuan Sing did not provide a costing for the works.

Meanwhile, it is understood JLL Hotels’ Peter Harper and Nick Macfie will soon launch Melbourne’s 245-room Park Hyatt Hotel to the market for more than $200m. Mr Harper and Mr Macfie declined to comment.