Fortis has been given the green light for a new hotel at its multi-million-dollar mixed-use Richmond Square development in Melbourne’s inner east.

The new 57-room premium-lifestyle hotel will occupy the first two floors of Carmine House and compliments Richmond Square’s broader offering of residences, hospitality, wellness and lifestyle experiences between Richmond and Cremorne.

The hotel is slated to open in Q1 2027, with the preferred hotel operator to be revealed in coming months.

Upon completion, Richmond Square will comprise 107 residences across Wiltshire House and Carmine House collectively, a 57-room hotel, hospitality and wellness offerings, and a range of services designed to support residents, visitors and the surrounding community.

Richmond Square will offer a service-led lifestyle model integrating hotel operations into the Carmine House residences as a fully complementary experience, providing residents with access to a range of lifestyle and convenience services.

Residents of Carmine House will have access to a suite of optional hotel services, including housekeeping and linen refresh programs, laundry and dry-cleaning services, in-residence food and beverage delivery, grocery and pantry stocking services and concierge assistance.

Jordan Winada, Head of Acquisitions (Commercial) Victoria at Fortis, said the project showcases the changing expectations around how people want to live in urban environments.

“Richmond Square has always been about creating a destination rather than simply delivering residential apartments,” Winada said. “As buyer expectations continue to evolve, we’re seeing increasing demand for developments that offer convenience, connection and access to high-quality experiences and amenity as part of everyday life.

“The hotel approval allows us to further realise that vision and create a precinct where residential living is complemented by hospitality, services and amenity in a way that is rarely seen in Melbourne’s CBD and fringe.”

The hotel approval comes as latest research shows owner occupiers continue to dominate Australia’s apartment market, with the integration of hospitality and residential living providing owner-occupiers greater flexibility, convenience and access to services.

“Residential amenity is no longer limited to what sits within an apartment building. Buyers are increasingly assessing the broader lifestyle ecosystem surrounding their home and the ways in which a precinct can support their day-to-day needs,” Winada said.

“Richmond Square has been designed to provide that experience through a carefully curated mix of residential, hospitality and lifestyle offerings that work together to create a more connected way of living.”