Marriner ready to start on Forum Theatre hotel
Melbourne developer David Marriner expects to start construction of the 30-level tower beside the Forum Theatre early next year after the project won state government approval to build a $150 million hotel and office complex on the old Russell Street Theatre site.
Designed by Bates Smart Melbourne architect Simon Swaney, the 220-room hotel on the yet to be demolished Russell Street Theatre site is expected to be branded a four-star property.
Under the government approval Mr Marriner will also restore the Forum Theatre and will remain as a live music venue.
Construction of the tower complex is expected to completed by 2017.
“We have had numerous discussions with a number of keen (hotel operator) groups that have expressed what they need. It is not difficult to secure a hotel operator in this location which is between the Westin Hotel and the Hyatt Hotel,” said Mr Marriner.
Mr Swaney said the hotel’s lobby would start on level eight and the upper floors would have fantastic southerly views which could not be built out. “In designing the new hotel we have taken cues from the designer of the original Forum Theatre and the facade of the hotel will carry a diagonal grid similar to that of the Forum Theatre.”
