Setting 'sites' on new hotel hotspots

Above: An artist's impression of the proposed hotel above Bluewater Square shopping centre.

Moreton Bay's drive to become “Australia’s next hotel hotspot” is starting to take shape with plans, proposals and plenty of possibilities

Four hotels are in varying stages of planning - two approved though work has yet to start - but double that number are needed.

With tourism growing and the 2032 Brisbane’s Olympic Games on the horizon, the race is on for eight (and possibly 10) new hotels.

Mayor Peter Flannery said, two years ago, the City of Moreton Bay needed an additional eight hotels with 1035 rooms by the time of the 2032 Olympics.

Invest Moreton Bay, which makes the “hotspot” claim, says on its website “demand could support an additional 10 hotels and more than 1500 rooms right now”.

When asked about progress and possible sites, a Council spokesperson said: “The opportunity to attract hotel investment into City of Moreton Bay is ongoing and progressing well”.

However, Council’s Tourism Opportunity (TOP) report identifies eight short/medium and long-term “opportunities” for new-build hotels. 

The question is where? Here are some possibilities:

Bluewater Square: Eleanor Investment Group’s plans for an eight-storey, 142-room hotel above the shopping centre, at the corner of Sutton St and Anzac Ave, have been approved, but work is yet to start.

Kippa-Ring: The Dolphins have released a masterplan, which includes 300-400 beds in about 200 rooms at its headquarters at the corner of Klingner and Ashmole roads, where there would also be a bigger stadium and conference centre.

Redcliffe: The TOP report says, short-term, there is a “clear market opportunity” for a 225-room hotel and by 2031 “enough demand” for a 250-room internationally-branded conference and convention hotel. Might one find a home in Irene St on Council’s current administration centre site?

Mango Hill: The green light has been given for a $72 million five-storey, 112-room hotel with an eco-lifestyle precinct at the corner of Anzac Ave and Diamond Jubilee Way. Work has yet to start.

North Lakes: Tenders are being processed for a 4–5-star hotel “with cutting edge conference and event facilities” at 28-40 North Lakes Drive, opposite Westfield North Lakes. The TOP report also lists a 180-room hotel in North Lakes among its short-term opportunities.

Eatons Hill: The TOP report has identified an opportunity for a 180-room hotel at South Pine Sports Complex. There has been speculation this could be on the site of the 10-hole Albany Links Golf Course, which closed in 2019, adjacent to the sports centre.

The Mill: The UniSC site at Petrie will host Olympic events in a new $205 million sports centre. The TOP report says there’s an opportunity and, by 2029, sufficient demand for two 200-room internationally-branded hotels as well.

Caboolture: There is opportunity for a 100-room hotel in Caboolture, says the TOP report, if Redcliffe’s conference/convention hotel is downscaled. Council is looking to use around 7.6ha of land bordered by the highway and Lower King St, with hotel accommodation a major driver.

Hinterland and Bribie: The TOP report says there is opportunity for two “upscale or luxury boutique properties” of 20-40 suites - one in Moreton Bay’s hinterland and another on Bribie – as well other family/group accommodation close to sports and entertainment venues.

Dakabin/Strathpine: Hotels are also part of two Comiskey Group developments. Work is advanced on the Dakabin Hotel at Alma Rd and starting on the Country Club Hotel, off Gympie Rd, Strathpine.