Hotel giant InterContinental Hotels Group signs $45 million CBD deal

A CROWNE Plaza hotel will be built as part of the Icon Complex in Hobart’s Liverpool St.

Hospitality giant the InterContinental Hotels Group has signed a management deal with Tasmania’s The Kalis Group, developer of the Liverpool St complex.

Should it be ­approved, the 187-room Crowne Plaza Hobart, worth an estimated $45 million, is expected to be completed by about October 2017 along with retail development at the site, where Myer was ­destroyed by fire in 2007.

Crowne Plaza is one of the ­InterContinental brands.

“I think this is what Hobart needs,” said Kalis Group chief executive officer Alexia Kalis.

She said Hobart was growing in popularity as a meetings and tourism destination and room rates and occupancy had steadily been rising.

“Now is a great time to be developing an internationally branded upscale hotel, as this is where the biggest opportunity is in the market right now,” Ms Kalis said.

“Crowne Plaza is globally recognised as a leading business hotel brand and we are confident this is what the locale needs to meet the expected tourism boom in the coming years.

“We are pleased to be working with IHG and look forward to welcoming guests to Crowne Plaza Hobart when it opens in a couple of years.”

Artist's impression of a proposed Crowne Plaza hotel above the new Myer building in Liverpool St. Source: Supplied

Karin Sheppard, InterContinental chief operating officer, Australasia, Japan, Korea and Asia, Middle East and Africa franchising, said: “In expanding into new markets we always look to work with owners who understand our brands and are familiar with the city we’re entering. We are delighted to be establishing our presence in yet another key Australian city with The Kalis Group.

“Hobart is thriving and tourism is a key part of that. The location and facilities of the new Crowne Plaza Hobart will make it a great choice for both business and leisure guests when it opens in 2017.”

The hotel would have business and meeting facilities including a ballroom, meeting rooms and boardroom, all-day dining and a fitness centre.

There are more than 400 Crowne Plaza hotels, including nine in Australia.

Originally published as Hotel giant signs $45m CBD deal

Source: News.com.au   March 25th 2015