IHG Hotels and Resorts is investing in regional Australia with the signing of its first hotel on the NSW South Coast, Crowne Plaza Shell Cove Marina, which is slated to open in 2025.

The 181-key hotel includes a cafe, restaurant and bar, extensive meeting and events space and an outdoor pool.

“We’re thrilled to be extending our reach across regional NSW with the addition of this stylish, design-forward hotel on the NSW South Coast, highlighting the increasing demand for contemporary new hotels in regional NSW,” said IHG Hotels and Resorts Australasia and Pacific Managing Director, Matt Tripolone.

“With an ideal position close to Wollongong and major industry and education hubs, Crowne Plaza Shell Cove Marina will be a popular option for corporate travellers and meeting and event guests, and will feature all the hallmarks business travellers want from a hotel – great connectivity in order to get work done during the day while also being a place that offers the chance for travellers to unwind with a drink at the bar at the end of the day. Leisure travellers will also undoubtedly enjoy the prime coastal location and wonderful leisure amenity.”

Crowne Plaza Shell Cove Marina will be part of a $1.5 billion development which will include a man-made harbour and marina, supermarket, retail stores, restaurants, library, community centre, parklands.

Crowne Plaza Shell Cove Marina is IHG’s second hotel with Oscars Group, the first being Holiday Inn Warwick Farm.

“We’re very proud of our partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts and pleased to be growing our relationship with them and embarking on this incredible, new-build Crowne Plaza development with them,” said Oscars Group CEO, Damien Cameron.

“We are passionate about the South Coast of NSW and are excited to be growing our presence in the region, particularly as development plans for Shell Cove and the Marina take hold. We look forward to working with the local community and welcoming guests to this stunning new hotel in 2025.”