The precinct features a new underground rail link, the newly opened Anzac Station, underground links to the north and west of the city and a multi-tram interchange on St Kilda Road at Domain Road and Park Street, designed to handle tens of thousands of commuters and visitors to events such as Anzac Day and the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.
The 97-room hotel and 131 branded residences overlooking Melbourne’s leafy St Kilda Road and Royal Botanic Gardens are designed by YOO, which was founded by Philippe Starck and international property entrepreneur John Hitchcox. It will be part of La Vie Hotels and Resorts and will include “a well-known signature food and beverage partner”.
CEO of La Vie, Jerry Xu, described it as “not just another hotel, but a fresh chapter in luxury design and hotel experience in Australia’s most vibrant city”.
The hotel group currently operates hotels and resorts in Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Greater China, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam and has offices in Sydney, Bangkok, Singapore and Dubai.
The hotel marks the first new-build, five-star property in the St Kilda Road precinct for decades. The area is a popular part of the city given its relatively quiet environment, major parklands and Albert Park Lake.
Many apartments have been developed in the area from former office towers. There was a Travelodge in the vicinity that was remodelled into apartments, while corporate headquarters such as the BP Building are among the area’s most well-known occupants.
Being built by Ironside, the total project dubbed First Light is due for completion by October 2026.
