South Hedland will soon be home to its first four-star hotel, to be delivered under the Pilbara Cities initiative.
A 120-room, five-storey hotel will be developed by the Hickory Group in the centre of South Hedland, with the developer aiming to complete construction by the end of the year.
Regional Development and Lands Minister Terry Redman said the project was a key part of the State Government's Pilbara Cities initiative to revitalise South Hedland into a modern town.
"The hotel will become a focal point for South Hedland and will include a restaurant and conference facilities overlooking the new main street and town square," Mr Redman said.
"The project will also stimulate tourism and increase employment opportunities in the town, which is a key aspect of Pilbara Cities."
Award winning architects Fender Katsalidis have designed the hotel, who previously designed one of the world's tallest residential buildings, Melbourne's Eureka Tower.
The Minister said the Hickory Group would use a modular construction method, which will see 90 per cent of the hotel being fabricated off-site.
"This will deliver the hotel up to 50 per cent faster than traditional building methods and at a lower cost, while minimising material and energy waste," he said.
Hickory has used its patented modular technology to deliver several Pilbara developments in the last 12 months, including a Port Hedland apartment block that went up in four days. Another six-storey residential building in South Hedland is also currently under way.
Located on the corner of Wise Terrace and McLarty Boulevard, the hotel will overlook South Hedland's popular town square and amphitheatre. Construction is expected to begin in April 2014 with the hotel open for operation by December 2014.
By the end of 2017-18, Royalties for Regions will have committed over $1.7billion directly to Pilbara Cities projects including core government infrastructure and services needed to deliver the State Government's vision for the region.
Minister's office - 6552 6700
