Melbourne’s W Hotel plans under threat

Melbourne’s W Hotel plans under threat
By admin


There’s more trouble on the horizon to build Melbourne’s first W Hotel after developers of the former Palace Theatre site were forced to “radically” change plans for the Bourke Street building, according to news reports.

The Age reported that Jinshan Investments’ proposal for a glittery 30-storey tower announced last year has received numerous “knockbacks or interventions by Planning Minister Matthew Guy”, resulting in developers reducing the initially planned 145 luxury apartments and 205 hotel rooms to just 78.

“The proposed hotel is now just seven storeys and has 78 rooms, with the hotel's price tag reduced from $180 million to $20 million,” the paper reported

The latest plans submitted to Melbourne City Council, according to The Age report, claims that there are no references to the building being branded as a W Hotel, instead “it is understood the luxury hotel chain is no longer involved in the project, with new plans referring to a "boutique" hotel.”

According to the paper, the planned site has been recommended by Heritage Victoria to list it as a site of local heritage significance, and has been backed by a Greens councillor and will come to a head next week with some arguing it would be unfair to change plans mid-way through planning.

"It would probably be a nail in the coffin for this development," Melbourne Heritage Action president Tristan Davies said to The Age.

Latest News

  • Appointments
  • Events

AIME expands executive team and new hires in lead up to big event

The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) has made key executive hires as it expands the team in the lead-up to AIME 2025 to be held next February. John Wilson joins AIME as marketing director, bringing more than 25 years’ industry expertise to the role. Wilson is a highly experienced event marketing director, having […]

  • Conferences

Cvent Accelerate Sydney finds event growth will come from pre-, during and post-event data

Cvent, an industry-leading meetings, events and hospitality technology provider, has concluded its third edition of Cvent Accelerate in Sydney, where technology’s role in catapulting growth was front and centre. The 341 attendees were challenged to think how they are currently using data and additional ways to unlock its potential, particularly across marketing, in scaling event […]

  • Food & Beverage

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney popular Aperitivo returns to Grain Bar

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney is relaunching its popular Aperitivo, now located in the George St venue’s award-winning Grain Bar. Originally launched into Mode Kitchen & Bar in 2023, Aperitivo is inspired by the classic Italian evening ritual where guests enjoy a cocktail, paired with traditional Italian antipasti bites. It became a much-loved offering for Sydneysiders […]

  • Hotels

nb_ OUTRIGGER Kona Resort and Spa completes US$60 million renovation

Hawai’i’s OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa has completed its US$60 million (AU$90 million) renovation as is once again ready to welcome guests to Keauhou, a name that signifies “New Era”. The revitalised 511 guest rooms/suites and meeting spaces blend the property’s heritage and reverence for voyaging with modern aesthetics. The concept of “koi au” inspired […]

  • Events

Merlin Venues Sydney partners with bespoke catering

Merlin Venues Sydney, the events arm of Merlin Entertainments, has announced a new partnership with Sydney-based culinary experts, Bespoke Catering ahead of its event season. Merlin Venues Sydney hosts a range of unique public and private events across their four leading attractions in the city. These include the iconic SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE […]

  • Business
  • Events
  • Exhibitions

Sprintr launches world’s first 100% recyclable kiosk for delegate registration

Sprintr has launched its sustainable, lightweight, modular EcoKiosk for delegate registrations, to support the events industry in reducing its carbon footprint. Made from Re-Board® Technology, a durable, versatile, lightweight, printable and 100 percent recyclable product, this impressive design gives the business events industry the option to reduce their environmental impact and deliver on sustainability KPIs. […]