Marilynne Paspaley's Pinctada Hotels and Resorts has been named the preferred proponent to build a new hotel on Rottnest Island, beating a rival proposal from Karma Resorts.
Marilynne Paspaley's Pinctada Hotels and Resorts has been named the preferred proponent to build a new hotel on Rottnest Island, beating a rival proposal from Karma Resorts.
The 120-room hotel, which includes a restaurant, bar and lounge, function room, gymnasium and spa will be built on the island's former rainwater catchment near Longreach Bay, and is the first new accommodation to be built on the island in almost 30 years.
Rottnest Island Authority chairman Laurie O'Meara said "The conditional appointment will now move to thorough due diligence as well as providing the opportunity for the community to give feedback on the company's design for the hotel."
Tourism Western Australia chair Kate Lamont said the new high-quality hotel for Rottnest was "fantastic" news for visitors to the island.
"This development will address the current gap in the accommodation market at Rottnest," she said.
"For years local, interstate and international visitors to the island have been crying out for a greater choice of accommodation," Ms Lamont said.
"It means visitors will be able to enjoy our beautiful island and indulge themselves with a little luxury as well."
Pinctada Hotels & Resorts managing director Marilynne Paspaley said her team was looking forward to working with the Rottnest Island Authority on the project.
"Our proposal involved minimal intervention on the existing site and an earthworks and landscaping strategy to minimise impacts, Ms Paspaley said.
See statement from Rottnest Island Authority below:
The development of a new higher quality hotel overlooking Longreach Bay on Rottnest Island moved a step closer today with the announcement of a preferred proponent.
Rottnest Island Authority (RIA) Chairman Laurie O'Meara said Pinctada Hotels & Resorts has been selected.
"I am pleased to announce this award-winning Western Australian operator will be working with the Authority to deliver the first new accommodation built on the Island since the 1980s," Mr O'Meara said.
The selection of Pinctada Hotels & Resorts follows a detailed evaluation of the company's submission, which proposes a 120 room hotel, a restaurant, bar and lounge, function room, gymnasium and spa on the island's degraded former rainwater catchment, a 4ha site at Mount Herschel next to Longreach Bay.
Mr O'Meara said we will now work through the finer details of their proposal.
"The conditional appointment will now move to thorough due diligence as well as providing the opportunity for the community to give feedback on the company's design for the hotel."
"The Rottnest Island Authority will be negotiating an agreement with the preferred proponent to ensure the best possible outcomes for the island and Western Australians," Mr O'Meara said.
The proposed new hotel would be required to conform to the Island's sustainability guidelines and be compatible with Rottnest's much-loved culture.
Tourism Western Australia Chair Kate Lamont said the new high-quality hotel for Rottnest was "fantastic" news for visitors to the island.
"This development will address the current gap in the accommodation market at Rottnest. For years local, interstate and international visitors to the island have been crying out for a greater choice of accommodation," Ms Lamont said.
"It means visitors will be able to enjoy our beautiful island and indulge themselves with a little luxury as well."
Ms Lamont said the new hotel would also open Rottnest up for the corporate market by providing an attractive conference and seminar destination.
Pinctada Hotels & Resorts managing director Marilynne Paspaley said her team is looking forward to working with the Rottnest Island Authority to deliver the best accommodation solutions for the island and the best experience for Western Australians.
"Our proposal involved minimal intervention on the existing site and an earthworks and landscaping strategy to minimise impacts, Ms Paspaley said.
"We have a vision that includes a deep understanding of what Rottnest is about and will introduce a high standard of accommodation which is not out of place and has a strong focus on sustainable design and execution."
Laurie O'Meara said the Government Architect has commented that the Pinctada scheme demonstrates a real commitment on behalf of the operator to provide a world class hotel facility that is uniquely Rottnest.
"He also said the Pinctada scheme presents a well-considered response to its unique site, climate and context, providing relaxed, barefoot luxury, promoting health and well-being in an environment that is understated and elegant," Mr O'Meara said.
"I am confident the proponent will bring fresh accommodation options to the Island which is enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of national, international and local visitors each year.
"The new hotel will enable more people to enjoy Perth's most iconic holiday destination and help satisfy peak season demand, which is heavily oversubscribed."
Pinctada Hotels & Resorts has existing award winning accommodation operations in Broome as well as a resort and conference centre in Kununurra.