Fund Manager Files Shoptop Hotel Plans

A Sydney-based property fund manager has lodged plans for an eight-storey shoptop hotel above an existing south-east Queensland retail centre.

The proposal by ASX-listed Elanor Investors Group comprises 142 short-term accommodation rooms to rise from the Bluewater Square shopping centre at Redcliffe, north-east of Brisbane.

It has been filed with Moreton Bay Regional Council and would add 6278sq m of gross floor area to the existing building.

Bluewater Square is a Woolworths-anchored neighbourhood shopping centre and sits on a 13,560sq m site at 20 Anzac Avenue. It was acquired by Elanor Investors Group in 2017 for $55 million from private equity group Alceon.

The hotel addition design by Interworks Architects is proposed as a change to an existing development approval and would be constructed above the south-eastern corner of the shopping centre at the Anzac Avenue and Sutton Street junction.

It features an art deco inspired corner with “rounded form and strong vertical emphasis”.

According to the development application, the proposed hotel would comprise seven levels above the existing shopping centre as well as a foyer/reception area at the ground floor at the main pedestrian entry to the shopping centre next to Sutton Street.

Under the plans, some of the existing space and void on the first-floor level of the shopping centre would be converted to two levels for hotel use. Also, a total of 64 car parking spaces within the existing basement level car park would be allocated for the hotel.

▲ A render of the rooftop bar and swimming pool proposed as part of the hotel addition to the existing Bluewater Square shopping centre at Redcliffe.

Topping the hotel would be a rooftop bar—spanning 222sq m and accessible to hotel guests and the public—a kitchen, swimming pool and 363sq m function room.

“The proposed short-term accommodation, function facility and bar utilises the existing shopping centre, whilst incorporating uses that will be highly beneficial to the local area,” the DA said. “Additionally, the proposal will seamlessly integrate with the existing development.”

At the ground level, a new awning structure over the pedestrian footpath and public art or murals would “pay tribute to the cultural heritage associated with this locality”.

The 10,000sq m Bluewater Square shopping centre was built in 2008 and comprises two levels occupied by a Woolworths supermarket, more than 30 specialty retail stores and a gym. It has basement parking for 311 vehicles.