australia news
Peninsula Hot Springs unveils AUS$11.7m sister site in Australian outback
by Megan Whitby | 12 Feb 2024
Australia’s iconic bathing destination Peninsula Hot Springs in Victoria has announced the arrival of its brand new sister site in Cunnamulla, southwest Queensland. Designed as a remote desert oasis in the outback, Cunnamulla Hot Springs is owned by the local council and marks the fourth site operated by Peninsula Hot Springs Group (PHS) – founded by Charles Davidson in 2005. Overlooking the Warrego River, the newly built site flows with
Plus Architecture creates vision for hot springs retreat and spa in Perth Western Australia
by Megan Whitby | 20 Jul 2021
Proposals have been submitted for a AUS$25m (€15.5m, £13.4m, US$18.3m) hot springs development on the banks of the Swan River in Perth, Western Australia. Formerly Dalkeith Hot Pools, the site was a popular bathing spot for tourists and the local community from the 1920s to the 1950s. After reading articles about the history of Dalkeith Hot Pools, local investor and director of FJM Property, Barry Jones, was inspired to redevelop
Langham to open beachfront hotel and TCM spa inside Chad Oppenheim's glimmering crystalline towers
by Megan Whitby | 23 Mar 2021
Langham Hospitality Group will manage its third luxury hotel in Gold Coast, Australia, housed within the new Chad Oppenheim-designed crystalline jewel tower. Opening Q4 2021, The Langham, Gold Coast will feature 169 rooms and suites, 170 serviced residences and a signature Langham Chuan spa. With their prime beachfront location in Surfers Paradise, the hotel and serviced apartments will be inside the central and tallest of the three landmark towers of
First look: Contreras Earl Architecture creates Living Coral Biobank for the Great Barrier Reef Legacy
by Tom Walker | 28 Oct 2020
Designs have been revealed for the world’s first dedicated coral conservation facility, to be located at the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia. Designed by Australian architects Contreras Earl Architecture, in partnership with Arup and Werner Sobek for the Great Barrier Reef Legacy, The Living Coral Biobank aims to secure the long-term future and biodiversity of corals worldwide. The 6,830sq m multi-function centre will have exhibition areas,
Bensley creating luxury ‘human zoo’ hotel concept for multinational project in Asia, Australia and Africa
by Megan Whitby | 01 May 2020
Architect Bill Bensley has announced plans for a luxury sustainable 'human zoo' hotel and spa project. Bensley’s concept will involve guests staying like caged animals within a luxury hotel and looking out onto an expansive wildlife sanctuary park full of rescued endangered animals. Bensley design studio’s vast 2084-key project named World Wild is comprised of seven hotels spread throughout Asia, Africa and Australia covering a total 654,867sq m. The concept's
OMA's social shopping centre will be a community asset
by Stu Robarts | 19 Mar 2020
OMA have unveiled plans for a new shopping centre in Australia that will integrate public spaces, community amenities and facilities for childcare and education to create a more communal experience. Commissioned for Sandhurst Retail, the Wollert Neighbourhood Centre will be located in the Wollert suburb of Whittlesea, just north of Melbourne. Due to break ground in 2023, the 9,000sq m (97,000sq ft) facility is intended to be a neighbourhood asset
Hassell and OMA combine heritage buildings with new volume for New Museum for Western Australia
by Stu Robarts | 20 Dec 2019
Hassell and OMA have completed construction of the New Museum for Western Australia, which houses museum exhibitions, event spaces and public areas in a newly unified group of old and new buildings. Located in Perth, the facility combines four heritage-listed buildings with a newly created volume, tripling the size of the museum. Inside, there are eight new galleries, a 1000sq m (10,800sq ft) special exhibitions gallery, multipurpose spaces for programs,
State Library Victoria reopens after Schmidt Hammer Lassen and Architectus revamp
by Stu Robarts | 06 Dec 2019
State Library Victoria, in Melbourne, Australia, has reopened after being revamped by Schmidt Hammer Lassen and Australian studio Architectus to expand its community outreach and enhance the visitor experience. The work is part of a five-year redevelopment plan and focused on a number of spaces within the library, which comprises 23 individual buildings and occupies an entire city block. The aim was to better weave together the spaces within the
ZHA and Cox win Western Sydney Airport competition with leisure destination element
by Stu Robarts | 30 Oct 2019
Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) and Cox Architecture have won an international competition to design the new Western Sydney Airport in Australia, proposing both a passenger-focused experience and a leisure destination for locals. The new AU$5.3b (US$3.6b, €3.3b, £2.8b) greenfield airport is aimed at helping to drive the growth of Sydney and its greater metropolitan area over the coming decades. In addition to a design for the airport, ZHA and Cox
Scott Carver Architects to renovate oldest theatre in New South Wales, Australia
by Stu Robarts | 15 Oct 2019
The Victoria Theatre, the oldest in the Australian state of New South Wales, is to undergo a renovation led by Scott Carver Architects aimed at conserving its heritage features and reviving it as a venue for live performances. Located in the city of Newcastle, the theatre is expected to cost around AU$11.5m (US$7.8m, €7m, £6.1m) to refurbish, which is said to be more than justifiable investment from a business perspective.
Sweeping circular swimming centre to provide "new form of social space"
by Stu Robarts | 12 Sep 2019
A radical ring-shaped aquatic centre with wellness facilities and outdoor green space – designed by Andrew Burges Architects, Grimshaw Architects and McGregor Coxall – is to be built in Parramatta, Australia. The centre, which will be nestled into parkland surroundings and cover a total area of approximately 18,000sq ft (1,670sq m), will feature a 10-lane, 50m outdoor pool, a 25m indoor pool and facilities for individuals learning to swim, as
GOCO Hospitality leads spa concept, design and development for Australia's first Ritz-Carlton
by Jane Kitchen | 27 Aug 2019
Australia’s first Ritz-Carlton, in Perth, is set to open this November with immersive experiences conceptualised around the history, culture and natural beauty found in the region. The hotel’s spa has been created with the guidance of international spa and wellness consultants GOCO Hospitality, Clad in 10,000 pieces of Kimberly sandstone on both the exterior and the lobby, the Ritz-Carlton Perth will feature 205 bedrooms including 18 suites. The Ritz-Carlton Spa
Cox Architects and Neeson Murcutt expand Australian Museum in AUS$57.5m renovation
by Andy Knaggs | 16 Aug 2019
A major renovation by Cox Architects and Neeson Murcutt will expand touring exhibition halls and create new facilities at the Australian Museum in Sydney. The attraction closed to the public from 19 August for the improvements, that will see storage space being repurposed to give the museum 1,500sq m (4,900sq ft) of additional touring exhibition halls across two levels. This capacity means it could host either one major exhibition or
Submerged Great Barrier Reef museum will convey messages about the threats to oceanic marine systems
by Andy Knaggs | 23 Jul 2019
The first installation of the Museum of Underwater Art – a series of inter-tidal and fully submerged galleries planned for the Great Barrier Reef region of Queensland, Australia – is due to open in December on the coast at Townsville. Ocean Siren will be a solar-powered sculpture of a young girl, which uses live temperature data supplied by the Australian Institute of Marine Science to give a visual representation of
AGB Events launches the Halo light art installation in Queensland
by Andy Knaggs | 19 Jul 2019
A spectacular light and sound event has launched in Townsville, north-eastern Queensland in Australia. Halo, which is created by Sydney-based AGB Events, will run in the evenings until 4 August, and is being staged in conjunction with the inaugural North Australian Festival of Arts. The event will see Castle Hill, which looms above the city, lit up with a dramatic light and sound show for five minutes, every 20 minutes.
Snøhetta and Blight Rayner selected to design AU$150m theatre in Australia
by Andrew Manns | 20 May 2019
Architecture firms Snøhetta and Blight Rayner have won an international competition to design an AU$150m (US$103.8m, €90m, £81.4m) theatre for the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) in Brisbane, Australia. Set to open in 2022, the pivotal facility, which will turn QPAC into the largest performing arts centre in Australia, will feature two studios, foyer spaces, and an expansive glass façade. "The building will glow by night and sparkle by day
Sydney urban village to get eco-friendly cycleway bridge
by Andrew Manns | 31 Oct 2018
Construction has commenced on an elevated cycleway and pedestrian overpass in Sydney’s North Rye neighbourhood. Designed by Australian architectural firm KI Studio and developed by Landcom, the new 160-metre bridge will span across the Hills M2 motorway and Delhi Road, providing a direct link between the not-yet-completed Lachlan’s Line 'urban village', Macquarie Park, and the North Rye railway station. Intended to function both as a public space and as a
Massive six-star hot springs project planned for Australia
by Jane Kitchen | 05 Oct 2018
A luxury hot springs spa hotel and retreat is planned for Victoria, Australia, with Six Senses, GOCO Hospitality and Banyan Tree Spa all vying for the project, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. The AU$100m luxury project – called Nunduk (which translates into ‘the bark of a tree’ in the native Gunnai-Kurnai language) – will be located on a 2,480-hectare sheep farm on the banks of the Gippsland Lakes, and developer
Tributes paid as Australian hotel architect Kerry Hill dies, aged 75
by Luke Cloherty | 28 Aug 2018
Australian architect Kerry Hill, famous for his numerous award-winning hotels, has died, aged 75. The Australian Institute of Architects' Gold Medal-winning architect lost his battle with cancer on Sunday, leaving behind a legacy of hotels including the Datai Langkawi in Malaysia and Amankora in Bhutan. Australian Institute of Architects acting national president Richard Kirk paid his respects to Hill, saying: "Kerry was one of Australia's most renowned architects and he
UNStudio’s ‘Green Spine’ wins Melbourne Southbank competition
by Luke Cloherty | 15 Aug 2018
An innovative two-tower design – consisting of vertically networked platforms, terraces and verandas – has been selected winner of an AU$2bn (US$1.4bn, €1.3bn, £1.1bn) competition for a new mixed-use tower on Melbourne's Southbank in Australia. ‘Green Spine’, designed by architects UNStudio in conjunction with Cox Architects, takes the form of two curved towers that sit on top of a podium. The taller tower, standing at 356.2m, is wholly residential but houses
Arts district and Australia's tallest tower planned for Melbourne
by Tom Anstey | 05 Jun 2018
The city of Melbourne is aiming to secure itself as Australia's culture capital, with the development of the country's largest contemporary art gallery and its tallest building. To be built next door to the National Gallery of Victoria as part of a new arts precinct, the NGV Contemporary site would be developed at a cost of AU$151m (US$115mm, €98.5m, £86m), replacing the former Carlton & United Brewery. Victoria State will
‘A River of Dreaming’: W Hotels debuts in Brisbane
by Jane Kitchen | 04 Jun 2018
Marriott International’s W Hotels brand has re-entered the Australian market with the opening of the W Brisbane, a new hotel that features fast-paced urban style and modern design with a “decidedly cheeky Aussie point of view”. Owned by Shayher Group, the 312-bedroom W Brisbane is located riverside in the city’s central business district. With interiors from Nic Graham & Associates, the hotel embraces Brisbane’s connection to Australian identity and uses
Construction set to begin on Australia's first surf park
by Tom Walker | 06 Apr 2018
Work is set to begin on Australia's first surf park, after Urbnsurf – the company driving the plans – secured AU$28.3m (US$18, €15m, £13m) in funding to develop a site in the city of Melbourne. The firm has already secured planning consent for a site adjacent to Melbourne Airport and now expects construction work to begin during April 2018. Described as a "sports, leisure and entertainment facility", Urbnsurf Melbourne will
Avani’s second Australian location to include two outdoor spas
by Jane Kitchen | 03 Apr 2018
Avani Hotels & Resorts is continuing its expansion in Australia with the development of Avani Central Melbourne Residences, its second property in Australia. Due to open this year, the 456-bedroom, 55-storey hotel will draw inspiration from the brands contemporary design and will include an indoor swimming pool with floor-to-ceiling windows as well as two outdoor spas. The hotel also will include a sauna, steamroom and a dedicated yoga room. The
WhiteWater, Thinkwell and investor Najibi eye second ACTVENTURE site in UAE
by Alice Davis | 30 Jan 2018
ACTVENTURE, the multi-million-dollar leisure and lifestyle mega-destination underway on the Sunshine Coast of Australia, is eyeing a rollout to the United Arab Emirates. US practice Thinkwell Group designed the plan for the AU$400m (US$305m, €280.7m, £243m) Queensland venture, with Canadian waterpark specialist WhiteWater West working on the waterpark. Members of ACTVENTURE’s advisory board – including Talal Najibi, executive chair of Najibi Investments, WhiteWater CEO Geoff Chutter, Joe Zenas, CEO of
Perth's billion-dollar stadium set for grand opening, as government attempts to make sporting history
by Kim Megson | 19 Jan 2018
One of the Asia Pacific’s most flexible stadiums will open this Sunday (19 January) in Perth, Australia, with an open day welcoming fans into the 60,000 capacity landmark. The AU$1.6bn (US$1.2bn. €1bn, £925m) Optus Stadium – collaboratively designed by architecture firms Hassell, Cox and HKS – is owned by the state of Western Australia and can accommodate athletics, cricket, football, Australian rules football, rugby league and union, and huge concerts
Water sports lagoon approved for Sydney's Olympic Park
by Kim Megson | 04 Jan 2018
Proposals for an open water surf sports lagoon at Sydney Olympic Park have been given the green light by planning chiefs. The artificial wave park – located 25km from the ocean – has been designed by architects MJA Studio in collaboration with the WavePark Group, which will operate the site under its URBN Surf banner. The duo are already developing similar parks in Perth and Melbourne, with each site set
Glenn Murcutt and Wendy Lewin design submerged home for Australian opal museum
by Kim Megson | 19 Dec 2017
Pritzker laureate Glenn Murcutt and architect Wendy Lewin are designing a museum in the Australian Outback to showcase the world’s greatest public collection of rare opalised fossils from the Age of Dinosaurs. The Australian Opal Centre will be built in the mining town of Lightning Ridge, constructed within a giant void excavated from the earth in 2013. The project is being funded by the New South Wales government, business donations
Exclusive details for Peninsula Hot Springs expansion revealed
by Jane Kitchen | 30 Oct 2017
Australia’s Peninsula Hot Springs (PHS) is planning a major expansion focused on story-driven experiences including an open-air amphitheatre with seven pools and seating for 700 people, CLADglobal can reveal. New offerings will include: an educational building; sauna rooms; a deep therapy pool; a fire and ice bathing area; a ‘Food Bowl’ area with on-site agriculture and picnic areas where guests are invited to “eat yourself to good health"; and the
OMA's adaptable Melbourne pavilion opens to the public
by Kim Megson | 02 Oct 2017
An adaptable performance installation designed by Rem Koolhaas and David Gianotten of architecture practice OMA has opened to the public in Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Gardens today (2 October). Inspired by ancient amphitheatres, the MPavilion 2017 is shaped by two-tiered grandstands – one fixed and the other rotatable – and covered by a floating roof structure. The 19×19m (204x204sq ft) aluminium clad structure will host a free programme of talks, workshops
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