Work starts on Ritz-Carlton

Probuild has started construction of the Ritz-Carlton hotel and The Towers apartments project at Elizabeth Quay, with the luxury development to open in 2019.

Around 1,200 jobs are expected to be created by the development, which will add a new level of luxury to Perth’s hospitality and tourism offering.

Premier Colin Barnett was on hand today to turn the first sod for the $500 million project, which is being developed by the Far East Consortium.

The project will comprise a 204-room luxury hotel and 379 apartments across two towers.

Mr Barnett said the Ritz-Carlton, along with new properties by Crown, Westin and COMO The Treasury, would underpin an expansion of the state’s tourism sector.

Statistics released today by the federal government showed the tourism industry employs 97,200 workers in Western Australia, an increase of 3,500 jobs on last year.

Tourism revenue was up $1 billion, to $13 billion in visitor spending.

Planning Minister Donna Faragher said she expected the Ritz-Carlton to be a major drawcard that would attract tourists and Perth residents to Elizabeth Quay.