$250 million Westin luxury hotel will go ahead in Darwin
Source: Northern Territory Government - www.newsroom.nt.gov.au
05 August 2016
NT Government: The construction of a $250 million
luxury hotel on the
Darwin Waterfront will enhance the popular precinct,
create hundreds of ongoing jobs, boost tourism and become a destination
in its own right.
Chief Minister Adam Giles says the development of a world-class hotel
will be a “game changer” for tourism in the Top End.
The Chief Minister today signed a binding heads of agreement for the
project to go ahead.
The hotel will be developed on waterfront land comprising part of the
former Toga site, recently returned to Government after 18 months of
negotiation.
“The agreement will deliver the Government’s objective to meet
unsatisfied demand for luxury accommodation in Darwin through a vibrant,
integrated development of world-class standard,” Mr Giles said.
“The deal builds on the strategic partnership between the Government and
Landbridge, and reflects both parties’ keen commitment to the ongoing
economic growth and development of the Northern Territory.
“The development is set to boost the economy, act as a drawcard for
increased high-end business and leisure visitors, and give Darwin a
significant edge in the lucrative business conference market.
“Commencement next year will surpass the Government’s target three years
early to build a $2.2 billion visitor economy by 2020.”
The project will also mark Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ debut in Darwin
through the introduction of its Westin brand to the Northern Territory.
The Government recently announced that as a direct result of stakeholder
and community feedback, the development will not be located on Jervois
Park, which will remain as public open space.
Construction is expected to begin next year for completion by 2020.
In addition to offering 2.9 hectares of the former Toga land for the
development, the Government has agreed to provide up to $10 million
towards connecting services to the site.
Landbridge has also been offered an 18-month call option over an
additional 1.5 hectares of the former Toga land on commercial terms.
The Government will not provide any support towards the hotel’s ongoing
operations.
“The luxury hotel development is expected to provide a significant
economic boost and generate more than 500 jobs during the construction
phase and hundreds of ongoing jobs when it opens,” Mr Giles said.
“It will be the anchor tenant to drive increased growth in Asian tourism
to the Northern Territory.”
Contact
Michael Gorey 0437 249 003
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