The 5-storey property, which has previously operated as Rydges on Swanston, has been purchased by Ross Pelligra’s Carlton Property Group Pty Ltd. and will convert to the world-class upscale Crowne Plaza brand, following a full refurbishment.
Ross Pelligra, Owner of Carlton Property Group, commented: “Melbourne is one of the world’s great cities and I’m absolutely confident in the long-term, which is why I’m backing it by bringing a world-class premium hotel brand to Carlton. Given our expertise in construction and ongoing commitment to build or reposition assets in partnership with IHG, we plan to lift the game and give this property a full refurb and a fresh start as Crowne Plaza Melbourne Carlton in early 2021. As travellers flock back to Melbourne, I know that this hotel with its winning location and exceptional rooftop pool bar and event facilities will be the place they choose to stay.”
All public spaces, meeting facilities and 107 guest rooms will enjoy a full refurbishment to bring them up to the world-class Crowne Plaza standard, along with the building’s exterior which will also get an update.
Crowne Plaza Melbourne Carlton will feature everything guests would expect from one of the world’s leading upscale brands, and will include an all-day restaurant and bar, gym and undercover parking, as well as a stunning rooftop pool and bar. Its extensive meeting and event spaces make it the perfect fit for the Crowne Plaza brand, and it will feature 9 rooms with a total of 652sqm, including a 300-pax theatre style space.
Abhijay Sandilya, IHG’s Vice President, Development – Australasia, Japan & Pacific, said: “We are delighted to sign our latest management agreement with Ross Pelligra, adding to his portfolio of IHG hotels that already includes Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport, and the upcoming Holiday Inn properties in Melbourne’s Werribee and Richmond. This is a true story of partnership, and we are so excited to grow together to bring amazing hotels to the Australian market. Crowne Plaza Melbourne Carlton will make a perfect addition to the Melbourne accommodation landscape, and a great second Crowne Plaza for Melbourne.”
The contemporary hotel with its Swanston Street frontage enjoys a coveted location overlooking Lincoln Square, just minutes’ walk from Melbourne’s University Precinct, the Biomedical Precinct and Queen Victoria Market, the largest market in Melbourne and the most visited attraction in Victoria with more than 10 million visitors each year.
Carlton has long been known as the birthplace of Melbourne’s café culture, thanks to its Little Italy precinct on Lygon Street. It’s also known for its garden squares and Victorian architecture and, more recently, it is enjoying a renaissance due to its proximity to Melbourne and for having the highest concentration of university students in Australia.
The signing of this hotel promises to extend IHG’s ‘Year of Crowne Plaza’ in Australia beyond 2020, following the opening of new properties in Hobart, Adelaide and Sydney Darling Harbour, as well as refurbishing the majority of its estate. IHG currently has 56 hotels operating under four brands in Australasia, including: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, voco and Holiday Inn Express, with another 34 in the pipeline.
