Preliminary work has started on the planned expansion of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and broader South Wharf precinct, which will include a new 331-room, $300-million hotel. No branded partner for the hotel has been named as of yet.
Acting Premier of Victoria James Merlino joined Plenary Group CEO John O’Rourke and MCEC Chief Executive Peter King to announce the start of the $300+ million project. Leading infrastructure investor, developer and manager, Plenary Group, is sponsor, investor and financial arranger for the project, with Plenary and partners investing more than $100 million.
Flagship Property Holdings is Plenary’s development partner responsible for the new hotel. Plenary has appointed contractor Probuild to construct the MCEC expansion, hotel and parking lot, with works expected to be complete in the first half of 2018.
Plenary was the sponsor, investor and financial arranger for the 2009 Melbourne Convention Centre development and is responsible for managing the asset under a 25-year design, build, finance and maintain contract.
Source: The Urban Developer