New ‘show’ piece hotel opens in Brisbane, creating 96 jobs
The doors were officially opened to a new ‘Ekka’ themed hotel in Fortitude Valley today, which is set to create 96 full time jobs and diversify inner-Brisbane’s tourism by bringing a slice of country to the city.
Acting Premier Jackie Trad said the 208-room Rydges Fortitude Valley was great news for Brisbane, and showed investors the city was well and truly open for business.
“Rydges is a one of Australasia’s largest tourism operators, so it’s fantastic Sydney based developers Denwol Group and Melbourne based Baron Corporation have partnered to bring this world-class hotel development to Brisbane,” Ms Trad said.
“With the hotel located within the iconic RNA precinct, I’m especially pleased Rydges and the developers have held on to the essence of the Queensland country with décor reflecting the Ekka, including a ‘Paddock Bar’ and ‘Six Acres’ restaurant.
“The majority of the hotel’s 208 rooms overlook the main show ring used for the Ekka, and its close proximity to the showgrounds will provide convenient year-round, short-term accommodation for patrons attending the precinct’s array of events and festivals.
“It will also be convenient for people travelling to appointments or to visit loved ones at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital or for tourists wishing to enjoy the diverse offerings and culture of Brisbane’s inner city area.”
Ms Trad said Rydges Fortitude Valley was one of three contemporary world-class hotels opening in the inner city area this year along with Mantra Richmont Hotel and The Johnson, Brisbane’s first Art Series Hotel.
“Brisbane is evolving as one of Australia’s fastest-growing metropolitan regions. Just last year, 6.9 million people visited Brisbane, spending a record $5.5 billion – an increase of 17.6 per cent on the previous year.
“These three new hotels, along with projects like the Queen’s Wharf development, are redefining the hotel landscape in Brisbane and showing the world that Brisbane is a thriving city worth investing in,” she said.
Rydges Fortitude Valley General Manager Matthew Hurley said the new hotel was an exciting addition to the group’s international portfolio that included more than 40 hotels and resorts across Australia, New Zealand and in London.
“We envisage the hotel becoming regional Queensland’s home in the city, bringing a new dimension in world-class service with a personal touch to an area known for its cultural heritage and agricultural theme,” Mr Hurley said.
“The hotel’s positioning within the Showgrounds precinct and opposite the Royal International Convention Centre (RICC) lends unique appeal to guests wishing to stay and soak up the atmosphere at the many events and festivals held in the district throughout the year.”
Ms Trad said Rydges Fortitude Valley, which had created 96 full-time equivalent jobs, was part of the second stage of the RNA’s $2.9 billion Brisbane Showgrounds Regeneration Project, which is expected to deliver $300 million a year in economic benefits to Queensland and create more than 2,000 jobs in total.
“The RNA Development covers a 108-hectare area earmarked for urban renewal under the Bowen Hills Priority Development Area (PDA) – a PDA which has the potential to deliver 20,000 new homes, an employment centre and industrial spaces with good access to the Brisbane Airport and Australia TradeCoast,” Ms Trad said.
“Reinvigorating this inner-city corridor, where Brisbane’s two main northern arterials converge, is vital for improving accessibility and accommodation diversity, and strengthening Brisbane’s economic future.”
Source: News Release, Queensland Government, 14, April, 2016