ROCKINGHAM could soon be home to an $8 million, seven-storey Quest Serviced Apartments complex after the hotel chain lodged a development application with the City this week.
Mayor Barry Sammels announced yesterday that the company had lodged an application for a 48-room, two-bed and two-bathroom, development at 24 Flinders Lane.
It comes after more than a decade of campaigning from council, local business and politicians urging a major hotel to open in the city.
Cr Sammels said it was fantastic news for the region in need of suitable short and extended stay accommodation.
He said he hoped the proposal would spark more large-scale accommodation developments in the Waterfront Village.
“For a long time the city has been a strong advocate for the Waterfront Village area to provide enough accommodation facilities to support visitors and tourists, who currently source accommodation in Perth or Fremantle,” he said.
Cr Sammels said the development would give a significant economic boost to restaurants and small bars in the area.
“Our leisure tourism industry will also certainly benefit from this development and hopefully grow after many years of awaiting an announcement like this,” he said.
Rockingham MLA Mark McGowan said he was pleased and excited about the project and praised Quest as a respectable and reputable operator.
“I am very much hoping it comes to fruition, I’ll be doing all I can to encourage them to construct their hotel here,” he said.
Mr McGowan said the style of accommodation would suit families that visited Rockingham.
Rockingham Kwinana Chamber of Commerce president Justin Smith said it was welcome news for local business and could create jobs during construction and operation.
“Rockingham is a tourist town and it’s hard to be a tourist town without some major accommodation,” he said.
The site was originally mooted for Diploma’s proposed $60 million Salt Apartments development.