Work has started on a $50 million Rydges-branded hotel at Gold Coast Airport, which is a milestone in the development and activation of the precinct.

Ground was broken on the hotel today, with a sod turning ceremony attended by Member for McPherson, the Hon. Karen Andrews MP, Minster for Tourism Industry Development Kate Jones MP and developer John Robinson.

The 192-room hotel, which will rise to the south of the airport site, will connect via a plaza area to the expanded terminal, which is also scheduled for redevelopment this year. The hotel will measure seven storeys and be topped by a rooftop bar and viewing deck, with views over Kirra Beach to the east and across the runway to the west.

Queensland Airports Limited CEO Chris Mills said the hotel was an important project for the company, which operated Gold Coast, Townsville, Mount Isa and Longreach airports.

“The hotel will create significant jobs for the Gold Coast and northern NSW – with 90 construction jobs during the build, and 60 ongoing positions once the hotel opens in 2020,” he said.

“Having a hotel as part of the airport precinct is an exciting opportunity for us. This investment and the overall development planned for Gold Coast Airport are representative of the ongoing strength of the Gold Coast as a destination and the increasing strength of the Northern NSW region.

“We invested $86 million last year in airside works to improve aircraft efficiency in the lead-up to the Commonwealth Games, and this year close to half a billion dollars in building works are set to move ahead in the precinct.  

“The hotel and expanded terminal will change the face of the airport entirely – creating a better experience for locals and visitors and a fitting gateway for the country’s premier tourism destination.”

The hotel is being delivered by developer Trepang, associated with John Robinson and Nick Paspaley, who have delivered hotels in Darwin, including two airport hotels.

“It has taken a few years to get to this point. I have deliberately taken my time and given a great deal of thought to all aspects of the hotel,” Mr Robinson said.  

“The design is both functional and visually attractive. I love nothing more than starting the build, to an extent it means the hard work is over and I can watch the project come to life.

“Airport hotels have been amongst my most successful investments and I have no doubt this fantastic hotel will continue that trend.”

The hotel will be built by local firm Condev Construction.

Approval of Major Development Plan (MDP) was granted by Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack, in September 2018.

Gold Coast Airport is on the move. By 2037 the airport will contribute $818 million annually to the region and support about 9,000 full time jobs.

The airport welcomed 6.6 million passengers heading to and from south east Queensland and Northern NSW last financial year. Passenger numbers are expected to reach 16.6 million annually by 2037.

The airport is owned and operated by Queensland Airports Limited, which also operates Townsville, Mount Isa and Longreach airports.

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