A new hotel bound for the Darwin Waterfront has reached a major milestone, with an experienced proponent selected for development.
CEL Australia will develop, own and operate the Darwin Convention Centre Hotel, following a competitive Expression of Interest (EOI) process.
The EOI, facilitated by CBRE Hotels, was the first step in the competitive market process to secure a private sector proponent to deliver a new hotel adjacent to the Darwin Convention Centre.
Today, Chief Minister Eva Lawler and CEL have signed a project development agreement, for delivery of the Hotel.
The hotel is a key part of the Masterplan to redevelop the Waterfront in one of Australia’s leading integrated lifestyle and tourism destinations.
The Darwin Convention Centre Hotel will offer 236 rooms, and provide new, upscale accommodation options for corporate and leisure visitors.
The hotel will be operated under CEL’s own brand, Momentus Hotels & Resorts, which is headquartered in Singapore, and will be the first Momentus hotel in Australia. In 2023 the Momentus Hotel in Singapore won the Travel Weekly Asia’s Best Upscale Hotel in the Asia-Pacific Region.
CEL will progress detailed design over the coming months and engage with local businesses to get the project underway.
The hotel is expected to open towards the end of 2026.
Quotes from Chief Minister, Eva Lawler:
“We are backing projects that get Territorians working. The Darwin Convention Centre Hotel will be built at the Darwin Waterfront.
“This project is great for tourism, especially in the area of conference travel, creating an extra 236 beds in Darwin.
“This project is also a win for workers in our hospitality and tourism industry, with positive flow on effects for other local businesses such as tour operators, and is another feather in the cap of the Darwin Waterfront area.”
Quotes from CEL Darwin Pty Ltd Executive Director Mr Gallant Tang:
“CEL has developments and investments in Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia.
“We are delighted to further expand into the Northern Territory. “
Northern Territory Government
