An artist’s impression of the future AHM hotel development that will replace the existing Old Dandy Inn.By Shaun Inguanzo
BAYSIDE views in Dandenong will become a reality after a developer announced it would spend $50 million to build a 16-storey hotel and conference facility on the site of the Old Dandy Inn.
The Lonsdale Street fixture will be razed in favour of the business-focused development, which will be the largest investment hospitality developer AHM has made.
AHM managing director Dean Grant said the company had worked with VicUrban to make the investment possible.
Mr Grant said the hotel would include four three-bedroom penthouses with views stretching to Western Port.
The top 10 floors would all have the views, he said.
“We’re very excited about the investment,” Mr Grant said.
“Early on in the (redevelopment) cycle we are one of the first after the Arkana development to reveal our plans.
“I don’t think Dandenong will be recognisable within five to 10 years.”
The project falls in the declared area of the State Government’s $290 million Revitalising Central Dandenong project, and Mr Grant said AHM had bought the site last year with the vision in mind.
“I don’t think people truly appreciate what will happen (in Dandenong),” he said.
“We bought the hotel nearly 18 months ago and have been in consultation with VicUrban, watching what they are doing, and talking to them.
“I think in the near future we will see a lot (of investment) from larger developers.”
Mr Grant said people could expect the hotel and conference centre to target businesspeople visiting the Greater Dandenong region, which contained more than 40 per cent of the state’s manufacturing.
The hotel and conference facilities were expected to be completed within two to three years, he said.
