Temporary closure for hotel

The Harbour Town Hotel has closed for seven months to allow building works associated with adjacent new cinemas.

Australian Hospitality Management (AHM) managing director Dean Grant told Docklands News about four metres of the northern edge of the premises was being given up to provide walking access between the Southern Star Observation Wheel and O’Brien Group Arena.

Mr Grant said it would be impossible to trade during the construction period, so the company was taking the opportunity to renovate the hotel, including adding more outdoor space near the observation wheel forecourt.

He said the expected 600,000 to 700,000 people expected to flock to the cinemas when constructed would make the hotel an even better business.

“We’re really excited about the future and we’re here for the long run,” Mr Grant said.

Mr Grant said AHM was negotiating a longer lease with Harbour Town management.