A significant transformation is underway for a landmark Elizabeth Street property in the Brisbane CBD, with IHG Hotels & Resorts taking over management to establish the city’s first luxury InterContinental hotel.
New Management and Phased Reopening
The hotel, previously operated as a Hilton for nearly four decades and owned by ISPT, closed its doors recently. Under a new long-term management agreement with IHG, the property is scheduled for an initial reopening under the new management in early June. This marks the beginning of a substantial conversion project expected to last two years.
Major Conversion Project Planned
The extensive refurbishment programme will see the hotel upgraded to align with the luxurious standards associated with the InterContinental brand. Importantly, the project plans to honour the building’s heritage by retaining the original Modernist design features of renowned architect Harry Seidler.
Upon completion of the conversion, the hotel will offer 321 guest rooms, along with four restaurants and bars, and large conference and event facilities.
Integrating a New Precinct
A key part of the plan involves integrating the hotel with ISPT’s neighbouring Wintergarden shopping centre and the historic Regent Theatre. ISPT’s Head of Development, Tom Waters, indicated that this integration aims to create a vibrant new precinct for the Brisbane CBD, combining retail, dining, entertainment, and world-class accommodation.
He stated ISPT sought a brand like InterContinental that would represent luxury and become a cornerstone of this revitalised urban experience. Mr Waters added that ISPT and IHG share a vision to see the hotel completely revitalised.
Brand Strategy and Market Growth
For IHG, securing this property represents a significant step in expanding the InterContinental brand. IHG Hotels and Resorts Director of Development for Australasia and Pacific, Cameron Burke, noted the brand’s strong global and local reputation. He stated this is crucial for a market like Brisbane, which shows strong domestic visitor numbers and growing international interest, particularly looking ahead towards the 2032 Olympic Games.
Mr Burke mentioned the brand’s recent momentum, citing the transformation of InterContinental Sydney and openings or announcements for properties in Auckland and the Barossa Valley. He expressed pride in partnering with ISPT to rejuvenate the Brisbane asset.
Focus on South East Queensland
Mr Burke also highlighted South East Queensland as a key strategic market for IHG, calling it one of Australia’s most dynamic hospitality hotspots. He pointed to the region’s strong population growth and major public infrastructure projects as drivers creating new hotel development opportunities.
He suggested that land values in the region, compared to Sydney and Melbourne, make South East Queensland particularly attractive for developers and investors over the coming decade. The Brisbane hotel will become the third InterContinental property in Queensland, joining resorts on Hayman Island and at Sanctuary Cove. IHG operates 69 hotels across Australasia under various brands, with another 26 planned.
Published Date 21-April-2025
