NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN QUEENSLAND 2017

Rydges Tradewinds hotel

Rydges Tradewinds hotel to be redeveloped – Cairns

Rydges Tradewinds hotel, which was recently acquired by GA Group, will soon be undergoing a multi-million dollar upgrade with plans to be redeveloped into a luxury reef-themed property including the addition of a rainforest-themed twin tower hotel development. The property will be located at the corner of Aplin and Abbot and Lake streets in Cairns, and will be the first major hotel development in the region in 20 years. Construction is due to begin in early 2017.

Rydges Esplanade Cairns Resort to Begin Renovation – Cairns

The 240-room waterfront Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns will commence a multi-million dollar upgrade to 100 of its guestrooms and suites, lobby and reception area for a welcoming guest arrival experience. The property refurbishment announced by Mulpha International, which recently acquired the property for over $30 million, comes in conjunction with the city's tourism resurgence and key developments in the area. Rydges Esplanade Cairns Resort is within in walking distance to the city's Performing Arts Center and Aquarium, and recently completed Munro Martin Parklands and Tobruk Memorial Pool. For more information and reservations visit: www.rydges.com.

New $333 Million Luxury Aquis Australia – Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast

Investment group Aquis Australia has unveiled plans for a new $333 million luxury hotel on a prime beachfront location in the tourist mecca of Surfers Paradise in Queensland's Gold Coast. The 48-level complex expected to begin construction in 2018, will include 580 hotel guestrooms with a range of suite categories including two-bedroom, deluxe, super-deluxe and large penthouse suites. The project, which will be designed by leading international architects Woods Bagot, will include a ground floor lobby atrium that encompasses three levels and will showcase a spectacular multi-million dollar art installation. World-class dining and entertainment will feature five restaurant outlets led by global chefs. Aquis Australia is the only new, large-scale hotel currently planned for the Surfers Paradise area of south-east Queensland, and is announced as the Gold Coast records its highest-ever levels of tourist stays. For more information about Aquis Australia Hotel visit: www.aquisaustralia.com.

New Novotel Brisbane South Bank by AccorHotels – Brisbane

AccorHotels announced the development of a new 238-room Novotel hotel on Brisbane's South Bank set to debut in late 2018. The Novotel Brisbane South Bank hotel will be located adjacent to the Brisbane Convention Center and will offer guests direct pedestrian access connecting the hotel property with the convention center. The property will feature two meeting rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center and signature restaurant and bar. All guest rooms will incorporate Novotel's global Novotel 'N Room design and offer Novotel Gourmet Bar and Food Exchange dining concept. Other Novotel amenities including Live N' Dream bedding, interactive TV's, FairTrade bathroom amenities, and free barista coffee at breakfast will be made available. For more information visit: http://www.accorhotels.com/.

Howard Smith Wharves – Brisbane 

Howard Smith Wharves is transforming into a world-class riverside recreation, lifestyle, event, and tourist destination. The redevelopment of the site will become a new city landmark which will include multiple acres of public open space, a 164-room hotel, an exhibition center and a variety of restaurants and cafes. For more information visit: www.howardsmithwharves.com/.