Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) has signed an agreement to open its second Crowne Plaza hotel in Melbourne, located in the city’s Carlton precinct.
Currently operating as Rydges on Swanston, the five-storey property has been purchased by Ross Pelligra’s Carlton Property Group, which also owns three Holiday Inn properties. It will be rebranded in the first half of 2021 as the Crowne Plaza Melbourne Carlton following a renovation of the exterior and a full refurbishment of the 107 guest rooms, public spaces and meeting facilities.
The property overlooks Lincoln Square and is located within walking distance of Melbourne’s University Precinct, the Biomedical Precinct and Queen Victoria Market – the city’s largest market and most-visited attraction in the state of Victoria. The Carlton area is also known for its café culture, garden squares and Victorian architecture.
The hotel will have an all-day restaurant and bar, rooftop pool and bar, gym, and parking facilities. The property will also include nine meeting rooms totalling 652 sqm, including a theatre-style space for 300 people.
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.”
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.”
The city is also home to the Crowne Plaza Melbourne, located on the banks of the Yarra River. The hotel is currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment and will reopen in December.
IHG currently operates 56 hotels in Australasia, with another 34 in the pipeline.
