Developmentof the high-end Darwin Westin Hotel has reached a major milestone with thestart of roadworks at the Waterfront site this week.
This $200 millionprivate-sector investment will provide a significant boost to the tourismindustry and help to attract high-end investors wanting to do business in theTerritory.
Darwin-basedcontractor McMahon Services Australia is delivering the first stage ofconstruction which will employ a workforce of about 35 people. McMahon willwork in conjunction with its sister company Intract, an Indigenous-owned civilconstruction company that boasts a 92% Indigenous employment rate.
As part ofthe first stage, Anchorage Court will be widened to ensure the cruise shipterminal continues to operate safely throughout the construction period. Otherelements include a sea wall and foreshore access footpath, diversions andrelocation of services, a new headwall and associated drainage.
While thedevelopment of the hotel is a private enterprise project, the NT Government hascommitted $17m towards public infrastructure including a sky walk to link theWaterfront to the CBD.
Premier UShotel chain Marriott International owns Westin Hotels, which has more than 6400 hotels across the world and a strongreputation for attracting high-end tourism.
Landbridge Group is expecting to call for Expressions of Interest toconstruct the hotel later this year.
The hotel isexpected to open in 2022.
Quotes attributed to the Minister forInfrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Eva Lawler
Theconstruction of a hotel of this calibre is a game changer for the Territory andwill provide significant opportunities for Territorians.
Localbusinesses will have the chance to tender for work, while 500 jobs will becreated during construction and an additional 150 jobs once the hotel opens.
The DarwinWestin hotel will also spearhead a new tourism stream that will includeupmarket holiday makers and business travellers while opening up new privateinvestment opportunities.
Quotes attributedto Project Director, Andy Payne, Landbridge Group
This is a significant milestone in the development. We are very pleasedto have awarded the Stage One works to a locally based business and we maintainour commitment to ensure maximum opportunities for qualified local contractorsand suppliers.
