Hilton will fast-track its return to the Melbourne market, signing a management agreement with M&L Hospitality for a new-build 244-room property in the Victorian capital.
Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street will be centrally located on the corner of Little Queen Street and Bourke Street in Melbourne’s CBD, between the developing Docklands precinct and the established “Paris end” of Melbourne, making it an ideal location for both corporate and leisure travellers.
“The signing of Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street is an exciting milestone for us as we re-introduce our flagship brand, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, back into the Melbourne market,” said Heidi Kunkel, Vice President, Operations, Australasia, Hilton.
A few weeks ago, Kunkel and Hilton’s President for Asia Pacific, Alan Watts, all but confirmed a new 600-room Hilton property would address the group’s luxury room shortage in Melbourne, although the Melbourne Square project isn’t due to open until 2022. This new agreement will see Hilton add inventory back into the city this year.
“With the site having such rich Victorian history and great significance for local Melbournians, this property is certainly a unique addition to our current portfolio. We are thrilled to be partnering with M&L Hospitality to bring our renowned brand of hospitality back to the wonderful city of Melbourne.”
The hotel’s construction is due for completion by the end of 2019 and will feature 244 stylish guest rooms, including 10 spacious suites; a restaurant and bar; a fully equipped gym; an executive lounge and five meeting and event spaces.
Built in 1931, the Equity Chambers building was designed by architects Oakley & Parkes and is known for its beautiful revival architectural style, featuring Italian Romanesque and Gothic detailing. In designing Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street, M&L Hospitality will work closely with the Heritage Council of Victoria to preserve the building’s heritage significance while restoring its original 1930s grandeur and beauty.
Neil Maxwell, Chief Executive Officer of M&L Hospitality, said the agreement “builds on our strong existing partnerships with Hilton at properties in Sydney, Melbourne, Christchurch and Prague.”
Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street will join 27 other Hilton Hotels & Resorts presently operating throughout Australasia, four of which are owned by M&L Hospitality.