Mirvac in talks on Kailis land

THE Mirvac Group is in preliminary negotiations to acquire MG Kailis’ industrial operation in Fremantle’s Fishing Boat harbour and turn it into a hotel and tourist hub.

Property industry sources have told WA Business News that MG Kailis is considering relocating Fremantle Boat Lifters, which it acquired in 1998, to the Henderson marine precinct.

It is understood discussions over the proposal have progressed and that Mirvac has embarked on a feasibility study of the project.

One source said it would be better if MG Kailis’ industrial operations were removed because they butted into the popular tourism precinct – Fremantle Boat Lifters is next door to boutique brewery Little Creatures.

He said it was early days for the proposal and that approval from Government bodies, such as the Department of Transport, had to be secured before the hotel and tourism development could go ahead.

Mirvac Fini chief executive Adrian Fini would not comment on any potential Mirvac hotel development in Fremantle other than to say the company was always looking at new development opportunities.

MG Kailis managing director Alex Kailis said the company had a number of properties in Fremantle and was approached on a regular basis.

He said it was company policy not to comment on any of the redevelopment proposals presented to it.

In recent years the Mirvac Group has added a number of hotel developments to its stable of holiday accomodation in Western Australia.

Last year it launched its $21 million Sebel Residence Hotel serviced apartment development in East Perth. 

The 57-room hotel on the South Cove waterfront was a new style of product for the group, targeting people staying in the city for a longer period of time than its typical hotel guests.

Mirvac has almost completed construction of  its Quay West Resort Bunker Bay in Dunsborough.  The new five-star, $60 million resort comprises 153 luxury villas and is due to open in March.