The first sod was turned last week on a new Puntill hotel adjacent to Sunshine Station.
Scheduled to open in late 2024, the new apartment hotel will complement the redevelopment of Sunshine Station, which is undergoing major work as part of the Sunshine Precinct Masterplan. Upon completion, the project will transform the station into a transport ‘superhub’ linking Melbourne Airport with both the CBD and regional Victoria, making the decision to open the hotel there a logical one according to Veriu Group CEO Zed Sanjana.
Mr Sanjana was joined at the sod turn by Veriu Group co-founder Alex Thorpe, Martin Strode of SMA Projects, Laverton MP Sarah Connelly, Fraser MP Daniel Mulino and Brimbank councillors Sam David and Thomas O’Reilly.
“Strategically we’ve always sought to grow the Punthill portfolio by opening in locations supported by major sources of corporate room night demand,” said Mr Sanjana.
“While Sunshine has historically been under supplied in terms of quality extended stay accommodation, its existing transportation links with Melbourne’s CBD, the Suburban Rail Loop and the regional rail network, are set to be strengthened even further once the Melbourne Airport Rail service is up and running. That’s going to put Sunshine right at the epicentre of the city’s thriving western region, offering enhanced prospects for employment, investment and overall liveability. At the same time, the state government’s significant investment in infrastructure and amenities in Melbourne’s west is also expected to deliver an increase in tourism.
“That means that the new hotel will be ideally positioned to fulfil the needs of both domestic and international travellers wanting quality, self-contained accommodation in what will ultimately become one of Melbourne’s busiest precincts outside the CBD.”
While Mr Sanjana predicts the hotel’s proximity to both the CBD and the Western Business District will prove popular with corporate clientele, he also believes Punthill Sunshine will benefit from leisure travellers keen to explore Melbourne’s west, with its rich cultural diversity, natural attractions and sporting events.
Developer SMA Projects’ Martin Strode is confident Punthill Sunshine will attract further quality development into the Sunshine Precinct.
“The new hotel will be a welcome addition to Sunshine and pave the way for other brands and businesses to follow suit,” he said.
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