MELBOURNE: S P Setia Berhad Group, the premier Malaysian property developer, and Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, the leading Asia-based luxury hotel group, yesterday announced Shangri-La as the official hotel operator for the planned landmark luxury development in Melbourne's CBD.

S P Setia Chairman, Tan Sri Dato' Seri Dr Wan Mohd Zahid, and Shangri-La Asia Chief Executive Officer, Mr LIM Beng Chee, formally confirmed the arrangement at a ceremony in Melbourne attended by international guests and media.

Located at 308 Exhibition Street, the Cox and Fender Katsalidis-designed two-tower development overlooking Melbourne's World Heritage-listed Carlton Gardens has just received the planning approval yesterday.

When it is completed in 2022, it is expected the luxury five-star Shangri-La By The Gardens hotel will feature an estimated 500 guest rooms with three levels of amenities for guests to enjoy, including a sky lobby, restaurants, spa, fitness centre, pool and a state of the art ballroom.

The second tower named "Sapphire By The Gardens” will include some 300 luxury residential apartments as well as office space. A sky bridge will connect the two towers, and retail space will occupy the lower levels of the development.

Speaking at yesterday's event in Melbourne, S P Setia Chairman, Tan Sri Dato' Seri Dr Wan Mohd Zahid said the appointment of Shangri-La supported the project's vision to deliver an iconic development that increases capacity, creates local economic development opportunities, and sets a new benchmark for five-star luxury in Melbourne.

Shangri-La Asia's Chief Executive Officer Mr LIM Beng Chee said, "Shangri-La is privileged to be selected as the hotel operator for this world-class S P Setia development, which will be an architectural masterpiece and an iconic part of Melbourne's skyline for decades to come. We look forward to bringing Shangri-La's hallmark ‘hospitality from the heart' to Melbourne, Australia's event capital.”

Tan Sri Wan Zahid added that "S P Setia is honoured to appoint Shangri-La, an iconic global brand that represents the highest standards of quality, as the hotel operator to this development. Through the design and construction phases and for many decades to come as a luxury residence, retail and hotel precinct, the economic benefits of this project will be significant for Melbourne.”