Construction on Mantra Epping, a new $70 million hotel development in one of Melbourne’s fastest growing areas, is now underway following today’s sod turning ceremony.

Developed by Too Build and to be operated by Mantra Group when it opens in mid-2019, the 214-room, four-star hotel has been designed to capitalise on both the history of the northern suburbs and the unique attributes of Epping today.

Too Build Managing Director Ian Wilson said there would be 300 jobs during construction and 120 ongoing jobs at the hotel.

“The location of the hotel right near Melbourne’s new wholesale fruit, vegetable and cut flower market and the Northern Hospital means the hotel will be well utilised in the area,” Mr Wilson said.

“It will feature both hotel rooms and apartments, a café/restaurant, brewhouse, conference and meeting facilities, gymnasium, and an open car park containing 143 marked bays and secure bicycle storage.

“The hotel will also be complemented by eateries by a traders’ cafe/restaurant and Beer Republic Brewhouse.”

Occupying a prime corner position at 250 Cooper Street within the prestigious Northpoint Enterprise Park at Epping, Melbourne’s fastest growing expansion corridor just 18km north of the CBD, the two-wing hotel has been designed by leading architect Peddle Thorp and Bruce Henderson Interiors.

One of Australia’s largest construction companies, Hacer Group, has been engaged to complete the project build.

Mantra Group Chief Executive Officer Bob East said the Group is thrilled to partner with Too Build, a developer who is in total alignment with Mantra’s commitment to quality.

“Today’s symbolic sod turning to mark the start of construction of Mantra Epping is a golden moment for Melbourne’s thriving northern suburbs – for tourism, for jobs and for investment,” Mr East said.

“The investment in this development is a powerful statement of confidence in the future prosperity of Melbourne and surrounds, with hotels experiencing substantial uplift in demand in recent years.

“This strong performance is set to continue with further domestic and international visitation uplift forecasted for the greater Melbourne market.”

With its strong and varied accommodation demand drivers, this hotel will provide a market-leading hotel offering, well positioned to become the region’s premier corporate, meetings and leisure hotel.

Mr Wilson said the project is perfectly timed to accommodate the next stage of growth for Epping. The municipality’s current population is approximately 194,000 residents and is expected to grow to 333,700 persons by 2036.

“What’s exciting to me is to create something I know the local community – traders and residents alike – will really want to spend time in whether they have guests staying at the hotel or not.  Mantra Epping will become a proud part of the local community and a favourite meeting spot,” Mr Wilson said.

See also:

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Cbus Property to redevelop the Mercure Melbourne Treasury Gardens Hotel

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