Following a six month selection process, Toga Far East Hotels (TFE) has just announced (19 Mar) that it has been the successful contender to build and manage a new Vibe Hotel complete with conference centre at the redeveloped Canberra Airport.
The newly acquired property, which will occupy prime real estate at the entrance of Canberra Airport, will be developed in conjunction with Canberra Airport.
The anticipated date for the completion and opening of the new Vibe Hotel is currently earmarked for October 2015.
Situated just 150 metres from the entry to the new terminal, the 191 room property will be centred around a full height atrium featuring a large ground floor intermingle zone with reception, bar, restaurant and conferencing facilities.
“We are honoured to have been selected to operate the hotel in such a prominent position in the nation’s capital,” said TFE Hotels CEO, Rachel Argaman.
“The location will service travellers using the beautiful new airport, as well as the surrounding business parks and defence precincts.”
The contemporary property will offer sweeping views over Lake Burley Griffin to Parliament House and across the runway to the east. The Vibe Hotel will house 12 suites, five 1-bedroom apartments and four 2-bedroom apartments and 170 guest rooms, all of which feature balconies.
Guests will also have access to 50 car spaces and a gym. Conference facilities will include one large room, which can be split into two, five boardrooms and a pre-function space.
Toga Group Managing Director Allan Vidor said: “Since forming the joint venture with Far East Hospitality almost a year ago, Toga Group’s hospitality arm TFE Hotels has been actively pursuing growth opportunities in the accommodation sector.
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Canberra Airport to deliver a brand new hotel – Vibe Hotel Canberra which will provide business and leisure travellers with convenient 4.5 star accommodation at the airport and just a stone’s throw from the CBD.
“The announcement of this iconic new Vibe hotel is testimony to Canberra Airport’s commitment to maintaining its position as Australia’s leading airport and its strong vision for the Canberra region,” he said.
With over 150,000sqm of A-grade commercial office space in the business parks at Canberra airport, and over 40,000sqm of retail space, the precinct will benefit greatly from the new Vibe Hotel, which will predominantly cater to the corporate traveller market.
“After a six month operator selection process, Vibe Hotels was chosen as the winning brand with TFE Hotels’ understanding of the brief best aligned with our vision for the future,” said Canberra Airport Managing Director, Stephen Byron.
“TFE Hotels is a leading hotel operator in Australia and operates the highly-respected Adina Apartment Hotels, Medina Serviced Apartments, Rendezvous Hotels, Vibe Hotels, Travelodge Hotels and Hotel Kurrajong Canberra.
“TFE Hotels is a joint venture between Australian family-owned company Toga Group and Far East Hospitality, Singapore’s largest private property developer. Toga has a network of more than 65 hotels and serviced apartment complexes with over 9,000 rooms across Australia, New Zealand and Europe.
“Canberra Airport is excited to be embarking on this venture with TFE Hotels, particularly as it strengthens the regional relationship with Singapore, one of Australia’s most important economic, intellectual and trading partners.
“The partnership brings a market of 900,000 highly-educated, high-income Australians a step closer to Singapore,” he said.