Malaysian property developer S P Setia Berhad Group and Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts have signed a deal to operate a new 500-room luxury hotel development in Melbourne

S P Setia Chairman, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Wan Mohd Zahid, and Shangri-La Asia Chief Executive Officer, Lim Beng Chee, formally confirmed the arrangement at a ceremony in Melbourne yesterday (June 13).

Located at 308 Exhibition Street, the Cox and Fender Katsalidis-designed two-tower development overlooking Melbourne’s World Heritage-listed Carlton Gardens is currently under consideration for planning approval.

When it is completed in 2022, it is expected the luxury five-star Shangri-La Hotel Melbourne will feature an estimated 500 guest rooms with three levels of amenities for guests to enjoy, including a sky lobby, restaurants, spa, fitness centre, pool and a state of the art ballroom.

Speaking at the event in Melbourne, S P Setia Chairman, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Wan Mohd Zahid said the appointment of Shangri-La “supported the project’s vision to deliver an iconic development that increases capacity, creates local economic development opportunities, and sets a new benchmark for five-star luxury in Melbourne”.

“S P Setia is honoured to appoint Shangri-La, an iconic global brand that represents the highest standards of quality, as the hotel operator to this development,” Zahid said.

“Through the design and construction phases and for many decades to come as a luxury residence, retail and hotel precinct, the economic benefits of this project will be significant for Melbourne.”

The second tower will include some 300 luxury residential apartments as well as office space. A sky bridge will connect the two towers, and retail space will occupy the lower levels of the development.

“Shangri-La is privileged to be selected as the hotel operator for this world-class S P Setia development, which will be an architectural masterpiece and an iconic part of Melbourne’s skyline for decades to come,” said Shangri-La Asia’s Chief Executive Officer Lim Beng Chee.

“We look forward to bringing Shangri-La’s hallmark ‘hospitality from the heart’ to Melbourne, Australia’s event capital.”

James Wilkinson

Editor-In-Chief, Hotel Management