Riverlee announces 1 Hotel for $450m ‘Seafarers’ project

Property developer Riverlee has today announced that Australia’s first '1 Hotel' will open at its $450 million Seafarers development on Melbourne's Northbank.  The 1 Hotel brand is part of the award-winning hotel group SH Hotels & Resorts, which maintains an exemplary environmental responsibility and has already gained worldwide recognition since opening its first three hotels in the United States including, Brooklyn Bridge and Central Park in New York, and South Beach in Miami.

“We’re excited to bring 1 Hotels to Australia, working alongside a world-class organization like Riverlee. As a mission-driven brand, we look forward to creating the finest destination in the heart of Melbourne.”

- Arash Azarbarzin, SH Hotels & Resorts President

Approval for Seafarers was granted late last year, with the plan to redevelop the Northbank Goods Shed and rejuvenate the disused industrial site. Riverlee has already restored the wharf and Melbourne's last-remaining original electric crane, which was relocated to the eastern end of Goods Shed No. 5.

1 Hotel will contain 280 luxury guest rooms, designed in association with Melbourne architectural firm Fender Katsalidis. The design will integrate 1 Hotel’s international vision, blending luxury with sustainability to highlight the beauty of nature. 

The hotel will be situated on the Yarra River, with optimum viewpoints from every angle. Inside the hotel, reclaimed artefacts and playful sea-life inspired artwork are scattered throughout the property.

“This includes recycled and reclaimed materials from the site restoration, as well as native greenery and industrial steel.

At Riverlee, we pride ourselves on urban renewal. We are committed to rebuilding connections between people and places by delivering a masterplanned precinct that is rich in history, adding to Melbourne’s vibrant culture.” 

- David Lee, Riverlee’s Development Director via The Hotel Conversation

Guests will also be able to enjoy a premium wellness centre, 1000-seat function auditorium, exquisite lobby bar and a variety of world-class dining options.

“Riverlee’s investment is great news for Victorians and will create more than 500 local jobs. Securing one of the world’s top luxury hotel operators in Victoria is a clear vote of confidence in our visitor economy, our world-class infrastructure, our exceptional local produce and retail talent.”

- Martin Pakula, Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade

The entire Seafarers design will be undertaken by an expert team, with architecture by Fender Katsalidis, interiors by Carr design and landscaping by Oculus. A 3,500 square metre park will be created for public use, as well as 140 luxury residences, commercial spaces, and restoration of the historic wharf and heritage-listed crane.

1 Hotel is expected to open in 2022. Follow the progress of the Seafarers development here.