The Territory Government has engaged CBRE Hotels to facilitate the Expression of Interest process.

The company started sounding out the market in November and immediately gained interest from Accor, EVT, Intercontinental Hotel Group, Marriott, Radisson Hotel Group and Toga Far East Hotels.

An invitation for expressions of interest has been issued as the first step in the competitive process to secure a private sector proponent to build, own and operate the hotel, which will be integrated with the Darwin Convention Centre.

Economists say the development will greatly add to the thriving tourism, residential and hospitality offerings at the Darwin Waterfront.

The hotel is expected to have 200–250 rooms.

The development site on Stokes Hill Road, directly adjacent to the Convention Centre, offers spectacular views across Darwin Harbour and the Waterfront.

Retailers are delighted with the plan.

Shopkeeper Anne Clifford, who owns Shine Gifts & Fashion, strongly supports the hotel project.

“There’s a need for a new hotel at the Waterfront,” she says. “It’s a great idea. Anything that brings more people here is good for business.”

Waterfront Corporation General Manager Sam Burke says the Darwin Convention Centre Hotel is the “exciting first step” of the Darwin Waterfront Redevelopment Masterplan.

“An important driver of the masterplan is to build on Darwin as a destination of choice for business tourists – particularly national and international convention delegates,” he says.

“Our world-class convention centre, coupled with an internationally branded hotel, the Larrakia Cultural Centre and our $267 million redevelopment plans for a surf park, tropical snorkeling lagoons and countless new dining and entertainment venues will hopefully attract more delegates and conventions than ever before.

“We want organisations and businesses to conference here, we want their delegates to choose Darwin and we want delegates to stay longer and bring their families.”

Experienced proponents interested in the opportunity can visit invest.nt.gov.au, with the EOI closing on 31 January 2023.

Retailers are delighted with the plan. Shopkeeper Anne Clifford, who owns Shine Gifts & Fashion, strongly supports the hotel project.

“There’s a need for a new hotel at the Waterfront,” she says. “It’s a great idea. Anything that brings more people here is good for business.”

Waterfront Corporation manager Sam Burke says the Darwin Convention Centre Hotel is the “exciting first step” of the Darwin Waterfront Redevelopment Masterplan.

“An important driver of the masterplan is to build on Darwin as a destination of choice for business tourists – particularly national and international convention delegates,” he says.

“Our world-class convention centre, coupled with an internationally branded hotel, the Larrakia Cultural Centre and our $267 million redevelopment plans for a surf park, tropical snorkeling lagoons and countless new dining and entertainment venues will hopefully attract more delegates and conventions than ever before.

“We want organisations and businesses to conference here, we want their delegates to choose Darwin and we want delegates to stay longer and bring their families.”

Experienced proponents interested in the opportunity can visit invest.nt.gov.au, with the EOI closing on 31 January 2023.