New hotel set to jazz-up Melbourne’s Bennetts Lane

Melbourne’s hidden gem Bennetts Lane is set to get a new hotel.

The local developer Aust Global Investment commissioned Breathe and Plus Architecture on the boutique project.

The project will feature 44 rooms across 13 levels in a building that channels the art deco glamour of the former Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, which closed this year to make way for an apartment development.

Breathe Architecture director Jeremy McLeod said some inspiration came from Paramount House Hotel, where the operator added unusual touches like a beer tap at reception.

Aust Global Investment founder Lionel Shi said the vision was to bring a truly unique Melbourne experience to guests and the appointment of local design firms, as well as a local hotel operator, would be key to this.

“Appointing local designers and finding a local operator who not only understands Melbourne’s laneway culture but can also help curate the hotel’s jazz-inspired theme, are critical elements in delivering the hotel vision,” said Shi.

Its brick façade will rise five levels and will be topped by an integrated nine-level shimmering glass structure, punctuated by greenery at its base.

The two penthouses have been set back on the upper levels, to minimise the hotel’s perceived height while providing additional outdoor spaces for guests.

It is expected to commence construction in early 2019, and open in mid-2020.

The expressions of interest campaign for hotel operators closes in mid-September.