By Cam Lucadou-Wells
An 11-storey “world-class” hotel has been announced to tower above Cheltenham Road, Dandenong by 2021.
Earmarked for 64 Cheltenham Road, the 160-room Holiday Inn & Suites Dandenong project was announced by entrepreneur Martyn Barnes and hotel chain IHG.
It was described by the developer as catering for “growing business travel” to Dandenong.
The building will include two levels of office space, as well as retail shopping, all-day dining and bar-room, a gym, conference and meeting facilities.
IHG, which doesn’t use a star-rating system, has rated the hotel as “mainstream“ or “midscale“.
There is no confirmed project cost at this stage, a spokesperson said.
Barnes Capital managing director Martyn Barnes said the hotel would be the “new home-away-from-home for the thriving business, industrial and public-sector community”.
“As the heart of Melbourne’s south-east region, some might say Dandenong has it all, but I would say it doesn’t have a great hotel yet.
“Holiday Inn Melbourne Dandenong will be an important component of the (State) Government’s Revitalising Central Dandenong project, and we’re so proud to support it.
IHG’s Australasia development senior director Abhijay Sandilya said Holiday Inn, as the world’s largest hotel brand, would attract guests from around the world to Dandenong.
According to a statement, the developer was attracted to Dandenong’s status as possibly Melbourne’s second city and one of Australia’s most significant industrial precincts.
Greater Dandenong Mayor Roz Blades welcomed the investment as an “important part” of central Dandenong’s revitalisation.
“Dandenong is the jewel in the crown of Melbourne’s south east and continues to be recognised as an ideal place to live, work and invest.”
The site is opposite where Greater Dandenong Council had proposed a boutique soccer stadium, which has been put on hold after a failed bid for an A-League team last year.
Greater Dandenong councillor Jim Memeti said it was a “huge boost in confidence” for Dandenong in the wake of the Team 11 bid.
It follows the Punt Hill, Quest and City Hill accommodation developments operating in central Dandenong.
Cr Memeti said the hotel would offer accommodation for overseas visitors and workers to large international businesses setting up in Dandenong.
“I was aware of half-a-dozen to a dozen hoteliers interested (during the bid).
“I thought they might have gone cold but obviously they still see the potential here.”
It is the third hotel signing in Victoria between IHG and Barnes Capital, following Holiday Inn Coburg and voco Yarra Valley.
