Melbourne could soon be home to a W Hotel if local developer Jinshan Investments has its way.
The developer is proposing to build a 30-storey hip W Hotel on the site of the Palace Theatre on Bourke Street in the Melbourne’s CBD, one that would see the brand re-enter the Australian market after a decade.
While an agreement is yet to be signed, a Starwood spokesperson has told HM the company is looking forward to seeing the AUD$180 million project come to fruition.
“Starwood Hotels and Resorts is very excited to be involved in the Bourke Street project and bringing the W brand back to Australia,” the spokesperson said.
The proposed building is being designed by Melbourne firm Bates Smart and is also set to include 145 apartments.
Creating controversy in the city, the Palace Theatre would be demolished to make way for the hotel and the Melbourne Heritage Action group has told newspaper The Age they will oppose the project and want the interior preserved.