Choice Hotels Asia-Pac and Barkly Property Ventures have partnered on a AU$16 million double-storey development in Victoria’s Grampians region.
On Wednesday, Choice announced that funding has been secured for the 4-star Loam Hotel in Stawell, through the Victorian Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund.
The 77-room hotel, located on the Western Freeway between Melbourne and Adelaide, will be the largest in the region and is expected to attract business and leisure travellers from within Victoria, interstate and overseas.
The hotel is expected to inject an estimated AU$150 million into the local economy over the next decade.
“We’re proud to invest in projects like this that strengthen Victoria’s position as a world-class destination and give visitors even more reasons to explore and enjoy our regions,” said Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos.
Owner-developers Sam and Gerard Ballantyne of Barkly Property Ventures have spent 18 months on planning and approval processes, with the project receiving unanimous support from regional and State peak bodies.
“We’re very thankful for the advocacy and support of Northern Grampians Shire Council, Grampians Tourism as well as our project delivery partner Wimmera Southern Mallee Development,” said Sam Ballantyne.
“We’re delighted that the Victorian Government has also embraced our vision and provided a grant through its Regional Tourism Investment Fund 2024.
“We look forward to delivering a hotel that will serve as a catalyst to strengthen and grow the Grampians’ status as a premium tourism destination in regional Victoria.
“Loam Hotel will be a flagship for the region, and we are firmly focused on collaborating with – and connecting our guests to – local businesses, vendors, producers and artisans to stimulate the economy and be a valuable part of the community.”
Part of Choice Hotels’ upscale Ascend Collection, the accommodation offering will include cooking facilities, full kitchens and workstations, catering to corporate guests who are working in the region for longer periods.
The hotel also includes a wellness studio and hydrothermal room with sauna and ice baths, onsite guest laundry, onsite electric vehicle (EV) chargers and a solar energy system.
“Loam Hotel is ideally situated for our guests to explore the Grampians’ incredible natural attractions and vibrant culture and events scene, while also catering to corporate travellers seeking a home away from home,” said Choice Hotel Asia-Pac CEO Trent Fraser.
The hotel’s design pays homage to the local landscape and Traditional Owners of Djab Wurrung and Jardwadjali people, with the interior fit-out, colour palette and furnishings also taking inspiration from ‘The Six Seasons of Gariwerd’, highlighting the surrounding local flora, fauna and culture.