Exclusive: mixed-use developments driving results for TFE Hotels

Owners are seeing the value in mixed-use developments in maximising returns, and dual-branded developments in delivering greater operational efficiencies, writes TFE Hotels Director of Development, John Sutcliffe.

Mixed-use developments have been part of TFE Hotels’ DNA for decades, with hotels such as Adina Apartment Hotel Bondi and Adina/Vibe Darwin Waterfront Hotel integral parts of larger precincts that include residential, retail, F&B and commercial neighbours. 

Fast forward to today, and our most recent opening, The Eve Hotel Sydney, is the epitome of a hotel set in a successful mixed-use precinct. The newly created Wunderlich Lane, with The Eve at its heart, is a vibrant hub of dining and event destinations by Sydney’s finest hospitality teams.

This sits alongside a thoughtful mix of wellness and beauty offerings, and boutique shopping. Visitors are a guest of the precinct, not a single venue, and are able to enjoy seamless interactions with all offerings.

The mixed-use approach can be key to the success and viability of new developments, enabling maximum returns from the hotel, residential sales and commercial leasing. In today’s climate of challenging construction costs, this surety of fixed income – along with added value for residents and hotel guests – is proving itself in a number of our new developments.

In order to ensure the success of mixed-use precincts, a holistic planning approach is required to ensure complementary offerings that each align with, and enhance, the wider precinct. 

Another viable option, for both new developments and value-add opportunities, is dual-branded hotels, which can appeal to wider markets as well as deliver operational efficiencies to maximise owner returns.

Comprehensive market research is essential here to ensure that the brands are suitable for the location based on demand drivers, and considerable consideration needs to be given to the hotel design in order that both guest experience and operational efficiencies are capitalised.

Excitingly, the success of TFE Hotels’ mixed-use and dual branded hotels is set to continue for decades to come.