Minor Hotel Group has announced the planned expansion of its presence in Australia with the launch of two new properties in Perth, Avani Hotel and Avani Residences.
The announcement marks the Avani brands entry into the Australian market with an investment of more than AUD$110 million.
Foreseeing Perth as a key strategic market, the company said it is delighted to have been selected by the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority, subject to finalisation of definitive agreements, as the developer of Lots 2 and 3A within the Perth City Link project as the result of a competitive bid process.
The Perth City Link project boasts a prime location directly adjacent to the Perth Arena within walking distance of the proposed new bus terminal and is well serviced by public transport.
The redevelopment of two Lots by Minor Hotel Group will help to enhance the city centre and is a major milestone for the AUD$5 billion Perth City Link project, which is rapidly transforming the city and aligns with the government’s vision to provide hotel and short stay accommodation in this precinct.
Minor Hotel Group’s planned investment in the Perth City Link introduces the Avani brand hallmarks of essential comforts such as design for life living spaces, good honest food and all the details that matter for a fuss-free seamless stay to Perth, together with dynamic new food and beverage brands.
Lot 2 will be developed into an upscale Avani Hotel offering more than 250 keys with a completion date scheduled for the last quarter of 2017. Lot 3A is to be developed into an Avani Residences property, offering more than 200 keys for sale, comprising of serviced one and two bedroom apartments.
“We are very excited to announce this new hotel and residential development in the centre of Perth, which represents in parallel – a significant investment for the group, the introduction of the Avani brand to Australia, as well as a new destination for Minor Hotel Group within Australia,” said Dillip Rajakarier, COO Minor International and CEO Minor Hotel Group.
“Minor Hotel Group is already well established in the country with the Oaks brand and we have been actively exploring opportunities to bring some of our other brands into the Australasia region.
“The Perth City Link Development will see the debut of Avani, our dynamic upscale brand, and we are looking forward to working closely with the Western Australian government and the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority of Perth to bring this exciting project to fruition,” he said.
Minor Hotel Group developed a core philosophy in harmony with the developers overall master plan of creating a lifestyle focused environment in the design of the new buildings and public spaces. Facilities will include a rooftop bar which will be accessible to the public at the top of the Avani Hotel, in addition to a selection of alfresco bars and restaurants.
In front of the Avani Hotel, a public space for events and for passersby to meet will be a pivotal feature, created with attractive landscaping and artwork. The pedestrian link from the Perth Arena to the Bridge and to Kings Square traverses this public space, and as opposed to being a passive walkway, it is a place to stop, relax and admire the public artwork. Indeed the design intent for both new properties is to use graphics, lighting and LED visual art forms as an integral part of their façade.
As a dynamic entertainment and hospitality development, the new Avani properties will directly assist in enhancing the Perth cultural centre. New amenities will provide great support for the Perth Arena, as well as for tourism and local employment.
Minor International, the parent company of Minor Hotel Group, is also expanding its food group within Australia with the announcement in 2014 of a majority stake in Melbourne based VGC Food Group which owns Veneziano Coffee Roasters, an award winning speciality coffee house. The acquisition adds to the groups growing portfolio of restaurants such as The Coffee Club, Ribs and Rumps and The Groove Train.
With an existing portfolio of 50 Oaks Hotels and Resorts primarily in Australia, Minor Hotel Group is strongly committed to further development and expansion throughout the nation.
West Australian Planning Minister, John Day, said a hotel and tourist accommodation adjacent to the Perth Arena was the perfect fit and the State Government welcomed Minor International PCL and its global brand to Western Australia.
“The hotel’s convenient location to the arena will be sure to entice international performers and tourists,” Day said
The development is expected to bring $110 million in additional investment to the State and create up to 900 jobs, during construction and in future hotel and retail operations.
“Perth City Link is rapidly changing our city through high quality transport infrastructure, a sports and entertainment venue, and new commercial and retail offerings,” he said.
“Minor Group’s investment will bring accommodation options to the project as well as new food and beverage brands and a public plaza featuring art, alfresco dining and open lawn and paved areas for leisure and recreation.
“Together with Yagan Square, the community meeting space between the arms of the Horseshoe Bridge, and Kings Square, Perth City Link is transforming the way we interact with our city,” Day said.
He said Minor Group’s development, and the numerous builds under way or planned, would contribute to Perth becoming a compact city that can accommodate more people along major transit routes and amenities.