Crowne Plaza is returning to Newcastle - here's where (and when) it's opening
IHG announces two major new hotels for regional NSW.
A major international hotel chain is returning to Newcastle as the anchor for a 43-storey inner-city development.
The 171-room Crowne Plaza Newcastle will sit within Urban Property Group's mixed-use project next to the Newcastle Interchange in Wickham on the former site of the failed Bowline project.
Along with the hotel, which includes a restaurant, lobby bar, pool and meeting and event spaces, the tower will feature 219 residential apartments.
Crowne Plaza previously operated on Newcastle Harbour before rebranding as Rydges Newcastle in 2018.
The new location is set to open in late 2029.
Crowne Plaza Newcastle is one of two new projects announced by IHG Hotels and Resorts and Sydney-based Urban Property Group, alongside Hotel Indigo Gosford on the Central Coast, which is set to open in mid-2030.
The latest developments are built on the partnership formed during the signing of Crowne Plaza Parramatta in 2025.
"IHG has now signed three exciting new projects with Urban Property Group over the last 12 months, illustrating our shared strategic vision for the sector and the growing strength in our partnership," IHG managing director Australasia and Pacific Matt Tripolone said.
"Urban has a significant development pipeline across NSW, and we see considerable opportunity to grow together over the long term.
"Regional growth is an important part of our strategy in Australia, particularly in markets benefiting from sustained investment in infrastructure, tourism and major development.
"Newcastle and the Central Coast are both significant visitor and economic centres, and we see strong long-term potential for high-quality internationally branded hotels in these locations.
"Crowne Plaza Newcastle and Hotel Indigo Gosford are outstanding additions to our portfolio and very well suited to their respective markets.
"We are excited to return Crowne Plaza to Newcastle and to bring Hotel Indigo's distinctive neighbourhood-led experience to the Central Coast for the first time."
'An exciting next step'
Urban Property Group co-chief executive Patrick Elias said the partnership with IHG had grown quickly since signing Crowne Plaza Parramatta last year.
"These two new hotels represent an exciting next step," Mr Elias said.
"As Urban continues to evolve, hospitality is a natural extension of our residential, retail and commercial business, helping us create complete destinations and experiences.
"By integrating internationally recognised hotel brands into our major precincts, we are creating places that people can live, work, stay and connect, while supporting the long-term growth of these regions.
"We look forward to growing this partnership and delivering more opportunities together in the future."
Hotel Indigo Gosford will form part of Urban's The Waterfront precinct.
The 152-room hotel will feature views across Brisbane Water, a cafe and bar, rooftop pool and wellness facilities.
Jade joined The Newcastle Herald as a reporter in 2001 and spent 15 years covering entertainment. In 2022, she joined ACM's national property team. Jade covers everything in the world of property across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter region. Got a news tip? Get in touch at jade.lazarevic@austcommunitymedia.com.au
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