PERTH, Australia–October 31, 2016–The redeveloped Holiday Inn Perth City Centre was tonight officially opened by The Premier and Minister for Tourism. In his remarks, the Premier said the Holiday Inn Perth City Centre has been an important part of the city’s hotel offering since the late 1970s. The $25 million refurbishment of this property is a vote of confidence by the hotel’s owners in the Perth hotel market and the West Australian tourism industry.

Managed by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®), the hotel is owned by partners, George Atzemis and Con Berbatis. Works commenced in January 2015, and this event marked the conclusion of the eighteen month redevelopment program, which included 181 guest rooms, an additional five new guest rooms, the ground floor lobby, façade and spectacular canopy. It also showcased the unveiling of the unique and contemporary concept venue, Ivy & Jack restaurant and bar.

Mr Atzemis said: “We have invested around $25million into the hotel including Ivy & Jack as a big vote of confidence in the future growth potential of Perth tourism.

“It is exciting for tourism in WA to have the Premier take the tourism portfolio under his own control. We look forward to the resultant tourism marketing push.”

The redevelopment raises the Holiday Inn brand and experience in Perth to a new level, with each of the 186 guest rooms offering a different combination of colours, fabrics, furniture and artwork all derived from a central complementary palette of colours. The rooms are vibrant and comfortable whilst ensuite upgrades boast style and functionality.

“We are excited to offer a range of room styles across the Superior, Deluxe and Executive categories,” said Mr Deane Palmer, General Manager of the hotel.

The redevelopment also includes the new, spectacular Ivy & Jack café, restaurant and bar. ‘For Love of Ivy’ was the name of the first film to premiere in 1969 in the well-known Town Cinema that operated from the site. The lead characters in this movie were named Ivy and Jack.

Owner Con Berbatis said that Ivy & Jack was a full public access facility and that he was delighted to increase the tourist and general public amenity of the Hay Street precinct which will also soon see the $70m redevelopment of the Intercontinental Hotel open.

Bringing to life the Ivy & Jack experience is Executive Chef, Anthony Munn, who joined the new restaurant from the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Karin Sheppard, COO Australia and Asia, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) said “We have been proud members and active participants in the Western Australian tourism industry for many years. We have a commitment to the region so it is a pleasure working with George and Con to bring this investment to life.

“We’re excited about the future of tourism in the region and with the unveiling of this landmark renovation at Holiday Inn Perth City Centre, plus our InterContinental Perth project that is well underway nearby, the Perth CBD precinct has its best days ahead.”

At the 2016 AHA WA Accommodation Awards for Excellence the Holiday Inn Perth City Centre won the “Redeveloped Hotel Award” whilst Ivy & Jack was a finalist in the “Restaurant within a Hotel” category.

The redevelopment project was directed by JAXON Construction with architectural services provided by Bollig Design Group.

Also in attendance on the night, amongst the many leading business, political and social Perth identities, were the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Member for Mt Lawley, Michael Sutherland, City of Bayswater Councillor, Michelle Sutherland and Eleni Evangel, the Member for Perth. Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi attended via a pre-recorded welcome message and congratulations.

Key facts:

  • Cost of redevelopment – A$25 million
  • Number of rooms refurbished – 181 (plus five new rooms added)
  • All 7 conference rooms refurbished
  • Redevelopment period – 16 months. Hotel fully operated throughout this period
  • A$2.5 million spent to establish the Ivy & Jack café/bar/restaurant consolidating the food & beverage offering on the ground floor
  • Hotel frontage extended to create increased public access to the Hotel and Ivy & Jack.
  • Unique, A$850K purpose-built canopy designed to enhance the guest experience by extending over the car bays in front of the hotel
  • 200 workers engaged on the project generating A$212 million of direct economic activity into the WA economy

For further information and to book your next stay or event visit www.holidayinnperth.com.