The Avani brand by Minor Hotel Group (MHG) is set to enter the Australian market with an investment of more than AUD$110m (US$87m, €77m, £57m) with an Avani-branded hotel and residences in Perth, as part of the AUD$5bn (US$3.9bn, €3.5bn, £2.6bn) cultural Perth City Link project.

MHG has been selected by the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority (MRA) to develop Lots 2 and 3A within the Perth City Link project as a result of a competitive bid process.

Lot 2 will be developed into an Avani hotel offering more than 250 bedrooms with a scheduled completion date of the last quarter of 2017. Kathryn Moore, group spa director of MSpa in Asia, told Spa Opportunities that there will indeed be an upscale spa at this property but the details of this facility have not yet been finalised.

The Avani Residences will offer more than 200 apartments for sale.

MHG plans for the two adjacent buildings to harmonise with the Perth City Link masterplan of creating a lifestyle-focused environment. The hotel will house a rooftop bar, which will be accessible by the public, and a selection of alfresco bars and restaurants.

In front of the hotel there will be a public space for events, created using attractive landscaping and artwork. Both the hotel and residence buildings’ façades will integrate LED visual art forms, lighting and graphics.

It is hoped that these new properties will provide support for the Perth Arena, as well as for tourism and local employment.

MHG has a number of of Oaks Hotels and Resorts-branded properties in Australia, however this Perth City Link project will be the first time the Avani brand has operated in the country.