Urban Rest Secures 150-Key Melbourne CBD Hotel Deal
Global flexible living operator Urban Rest has secured control of a 150-key property in Melbourne’s CBD, marking the company’s largest deal to date and signalling a major expansion of its corporate accommodation offering.
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The group has signed a management agreement for the 23–33 Lonsdale Street site, with plans for a multimillion-dollar refurbishment program ahead of a 2026 reopening.
The 29-storey building will be transformed into Urban Rest Melbourne CBD, targeting extended-stay business travellers seeking apartment-style accommodation rather than traditional hotel rooms.
The refurbishment will introduce full kitchens, in-room laundry facilities and dedicated work areas, aligning with growing demand for flexible living solutions among corporate guests.
Urban Rest founder and chief executive David Whelan described the project as a significant step in the company’s growth strategy. He said the Melbourne CBD property was not only about scale, but about setting a new benchmark for premium, digitally enabled corporate accommodation in one of Australia’s most active commercial centres.
Planned amenities include a Peloton-equipped gymnasium, residents’ lounge and co-working spaces designed to support longer stays and hybrid work patterns. The operator also intends to roll out its digital check-in and check-out systems at the site, supported by localised guest services aimed at streamlining the arrival and departure experience.
Melbourne’s ongoing appeal as a corporate hub continues to attract investment from accommodation providers, supported by demand from professional services, creative industries and major infrastructure projects. Urban Rest chief commercial officer Jeff Baars said changing traveller expectations were shaping the company’s expansion approach. He noted that business travellers are increasingly prioritising space, flexibility and seamless service when choosing where to stay.
The Lonsdale Street agreement brings Urban Rest’s Melbourne portfolio to 14 properties, according to the company, strengthening its presence in the city alongside existing operations in Sydney, Auckland, London and Dublin.
The property itself has a complex ownership history. Since opening in 2007, it has changed hands several times. Originally owned by MP Investment Nominees Pty Ltd, the building was sold in 2014 following receivership. Hong Kong-based Ovolo Hotels acquired the freehold that year as part of an Australian expansion strategy, with the property continuing to operate under various management arrangements including Oaks Hotels and Nolo Apartments.
With Urban Rest now at the helm, the redevelopment signals a new chapter for the Lonsdale Street building and reflects the broader evolution of corporate accommodation in Australian city centres.
Images via The Urban Developer
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