Construction is now underway to convert Adelaide’s former General Post Office building into a new luxury hotel, which will be operated by Marriott International under a brand yet to be disclosed.
A ceremonial sod-turning occasion was held to mark the commencement of construction, attended by South Australian Premier, Steven Marshall; Marriott International Senior Development Director, Richard Crawford; Greaton Managing Director, Nicho Teng; and BESIX Watpac CEO, Jean-Pol Bouharmont.
The hotel will mark Marriott’s debut into South Australia and is on course to be opened to guests in 2023. A Presidential Suite will be among the hotel’s 285 rooms, with guest facilities will include four restaurants and bars, five conference and function spaces, a Club Lounge, swimming pool and fitness centre. Guests will be able to enjoy views of the Adelaide Hills, the city and coastline from various vantage points across the property.
The 16-storey hotel is an AUD$200 million development from property developer, Greaton, which is also overseeing the development of an AUD$40 million resort at the Wirra Wirra winery in the McLaren Vale wine region, outside Adelaide.
South Australian Premier, Steven Marshall, labelled the development as a major coup for the city.
“Not only will it create 850 local jobs over the life of the project, it will add another luxury hotel to the Adelaide CBD offerings – helping to attract more interstate tourists to our great city,” he said.
Marriott International Senior Development Director, Richard Crawford, said: “Expanding Marriott International’s presence into Adelaide is a strategically important advancement for our company as we are very confident that South Australia will see strong future tourism growth,” Crawford said.
“Hotels under Marriott International’s 30 global brands enjoy a loyal following around the world and our new foothold in Adelaide will attract new leisure and corporate visitors to the city from interstate and overseas.”
The hotel was originally earmarked to operate as a Westin, however Crawford said further considerations were underway and an announcement on an operating brand would be forthcoming.
“With the benefit of the passage of time, and the opportunity to consider current travel demand trends, we are revisiting the hotel’s branding from a shortlist of our most iconic brands. A formal announcement is imminent,” he said.