New hotel for North Wharf

Developer Riverlee has taken another step towards transforming Northbank, after announcing an international hotel partner for its $450 million mixed-use development Seafarers last month.

Riverlee has signed an agreement with SH Hotels & Resorts to launch the first 1 Hotel in Australia at the Seafarers development, which has been designed by Fender Katsalidis.

An affiliate of renowned hotel and private investment firm Starwood Capital Group, the award-winning 1 Hotel group has already garnered accolades and a loyal following with the opening of its first three hotels in the United States, including New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge and Central Park, as well as South Beach, Miami.

The hotel, which will feature 280 guest rooms, a state-of-the-art wellness centre, a ground floor 1000-seat function centre, a variety of dining options and a stunning lobby bar, will form part of the mixed-use Northbank development.

Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade Martin Pakula announced the news at an event at Cargo Hall, South Wharf on March 28, stating that it was a great investment for both the northern side of the Yarra River and Melbourne.

“Securing one of the world’s top luxury hotel operators to build in Victoria is a clear sign of confidence in our visitor numbers, our economy and our reputation as a city of great food and drink,” he said.

Riverlee development director David Lee said the company was thrilled to be bringing Australia’s first 1 Hotel to Melbourne, with both companies sharing similar values on sustainability, urban renewal and design.

“It’s the hotel’s commitment to celebrating the history of the site, once the site of Melbourne’s busiest port, that will contribute to delivering a truly bespoke hotel experience,” he said.

“1 Hotel Melbourne will be designed by a Melbourne-based firm and will use recycled materials, including the salvaged timber from the wharf restoration works, as well as native greenery and industrial steel.”

The hotel will create 551 ongoing jobs, with 47 more needed to staff the luxury function centre and retail outlets. The redevelopment will also open up 3500 sqm of riverside public park designed by Oculus.

Construction of the Seafarers development will start in 2020 and will be completed in 2022.