Melbourne Airport to build dual-branded hotel

Australia’s Melbourne Airport is to join forces with AccorHotels to build a dual-branded, 464-room hotel in its new property precinct, The Hive.

The hotel will operate under the Novotel and Ibis Styles brands, and will be just steps away from Terminal 4. Amenities will include a wellness center, conference rooms, pool, gym, café, bar and combined restaurant facilities.

It is hoped the expansion will support the airport’s growth in passenger numbers and customer satisfaction.

Linc Horton, chief of property at Melbourne Airport, said, “Demand for air travel in and out of Melbourne is at an all-time high. It’s going to continue to grow strongly so we are thrilled to welcome AccorHotels to Melbourne Airport, helping support our forecast passenger figures of almost 70 million travellers by 2038.

“Currently, our on-airport hotels are operating at significant capacity year round so it is crucial we expand our hotel offering. This hotel will be a great addition to Melbourne Airport. Not only will the property give travellers more choice in accommodation style, it will provide two price points within the mid-market sector – reflecting the 3-star Ibis Styles and 4-star Novotel options.”

Simon McGrath, chief operating officer for AccorHotels Pacific, commented, “We are excited to be working with Melbourne Airport on this development and thrilled to be embarking on another dual-branded hotel complex while attracting more visitors to Melbourne.”

Melbourne-based architects Fender Katsalidis will take on the project. The company’s director, James Pearce, added, “The hotel is going to act like a village center and a gathering place to support the airport community in addition to travellers.

“The 10-story hotel features wings that not only catch the eye, but also provide product efficiency. The façade also has sunshades that create an interesting abstract landscape in Pop Art colors.

“Another great element is the sculptured pool, café and bar pavilion derived from an aerofoil, which has been sliced to reveal the pool and gym activities within. The exterior will look fresh and crisp on the skyline, designed to catch the eye.”

Construction is to begin in the second half of 2018.