5-STAR STUNNER
$200m Darwin hotel planned
STUNNING plans have been revealed for a new five-star hotel at Little Mindil, in a major boost for the Territory’s tourism rebound postCovid.
The $200m North One Hotel and Apartments is expected to open in 2025.
It will have 131 hotel rooms, 19 hotel villas, seven executive villas and 46 apartments.
Arthur Winston Investment (AWI) and Kita Group, who are funding the project through a joint-venture, say the new hotel will be the largest private development in Darwin in five years.
Construction is expected to generate 350 jobs, with another 120 jobs expected to be ongoing post-completion.
In a statement released on Thursday, AWI and Kita Group said they had approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board to buy the Little Mindil site, which had been owned by SkyCity Entertainment.
The land was first purchased by SkyCity from the NT government in 2008.
The statement said engagement would be ongoing with Larrakia Nation to incorporate and acknowledge local custodians through naming, design and work opportunities.
David Do, a representative for the joint venture, said the project would compliment the nearby Mindil Beach Casino Resort, the Gardens Park Golf Links and the Cullen Bay precinct.
“We are seeking to set a new benchmark in hotel excellence attracting new visitors to the Top End both domestically and internationally when there is a
travel rebound as borders reopen,” Mr Do said.
Hospitality NT chief executive Alex Bruce said consultation for the new hotel had begun prior to the pandemic and he was glad it was coming to fruition.
“This is an exciting project that will increase the tourism and hospitality offering in Darwin,” Mr Bruce said.
“It increases the precinct’s
tourism offering and we think there will be some great opportunities for locals to experience the new bars at sunset.”
Master Builders NT chief executive David Malone said the ambitious plans showed developers weren’t on a “fishing expedition”.
“They’re clearly serious about what they want to do,” Mr Malone said.
“The fact these investors are signalling they want to invest in the Territory is a good thing.
“It’s really great that investors still have confidence in the Territory at this time.”
Property Council NT executive director Ruth Palmer declined to comment on the development, but said she welcomed all investment in the NT.