CEL Darwin will develop and own the new hotel next to the Darwin Convention Centre.

It will be managed by the organisation’s Singapore-based hospitality arm, Momentus Hospitality under the brand Momentus Hotels and Resorts. The Darwin property will be their first hotel outside of Singapore. Scheduled to open in late 2026 the Momentus Hotel will establish a new standard of hotel accommodation in the Northern Territory.

It will also play a pivotal role in the Darwin Waterfront Masterplan, which is designed to transform the precinct into one of Australia’s leading integrated tourism and lifestyle destinations.

Gallant Tang, CEL Darwin’s Executive Director, says the Momentus Hotel at the Darwin Convention Centre has been conceived to play a key role in the revitalization of the Waterfront.

“Featuring 236 guest rooms and various amenities, the hotel will elevate the standard of accommodations in the Northern Territory. We are proud to be part of the expansion of the Darwin Waterfront Precinct,” says Mr Tang.

In addition to its upscale accommodations, the hotel will offer harbour views, a restaurant and a roof-top bar.

Since opening last year, Momentus Hospitality’s flagship property in Singapore – Momentus Hotel Alexandra has already established a reputation for quality in the city-state’s fiercely competitive hotel market.

In addition to being recognised by Tripadvisor as among the top 10 per cent of hotels worldwide, the Momentus Hotel Alexandra has earned awards, including:

• Travel Weekly’s Asia Readers’ Choice Award for Best Upscale Hotel – Asia Pacific 2023, and,
• Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award (2024)

“The Momentus Hotel will be integral to the revitalisation of Darwin as a premier leisure and entertainment centre,” Mr Tang says.

“This project represents a significant milestone as Momentus expands beyond Singapore for the first time, and we are proud to be part of this transformative initiative.

“Our commitment includes engaging with local business and stakeholders to ensure the project benefits the community and supports economic growth.

“The project not only underscores our dedication to excellence in hospitality it also aligns with our broader mission to contribute positively with the regions in which we operate.

“As we advance through the design and development phases, we will continue to provide updates and collaborate with the Northern Territory authorities to realise this vision.”

Momentus Hospitality Pte Ltd was established in 2022 with its headquarters in Singapore.

Momentus is part of the SingHaiyi Group a diversified company specializing in property development, investment management services and hospitality.

CEL itself already has a range of high-quality property developments and investments in Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia.

These include luxury Melbourne properties, Williamsons Estate and 33M and the Grosvenor Hotel in Adelaide.

News of the agreement between the NT Government and CEL for the Momentus Hotel has been greeted as a positive for the business and events industry because it means an increased number of rooms and more options for convention delegates next to the Convention Centre.

And that will prove important following news the Convention Centre itself is also about to undergo an upgrade with $19 million from the 2024 Territory Budget earmarked to increase the venue’s capacity from 4350 seats to 5550 seats.

The Darwin Waterfront Masterplan contains a number of ambitious proposals to take the iconic venue to its next stage of growth.

These include a new Entry Plaza and Celebration Lawn which promises to be a “distinctive new landmark for the precinct”.

The plan also proposes an iconic snorkeling lagoon, new temperaturecontrolled pools and new food and beverage offerings.

Also on the drawing board is a worldclass surfing facility generating an authentic surfing experience through the creation of natural wave breaks.

Waterfront Deputy Chief Executive Officer Samuel Burke has welcomed the signing of the hotel agreement with CEL.

“We look forward to continue working with CEL as it moves into the design phase for the new hotel, which will provide a fresh offering for leisure and corporate travelers in Darwin,” Mr Burke says.

“The Momentus Hotel is the first step in the Masterplan to redevelop the Darwin Waterfront as one of Australia’s leading integrated lifestyle and tourism destinations.”