The introduction of serviced accommodation to the 50-hectare site in Taylors Lakes continues the transformation of the retail-led destination into a bustling lifestyle and commerce hub for Melbourne's north-west.

Designed to leverage the appeal of the metropolitan fringe among business travellers, as well as visiting friends and family, Quest Watergardens will comprise five levels of studio, one and two-bedroom apartments with kitchen facilities as well as conference rooms, a business lounge, gym and guest carpark.

The property provides doorstep access to the newly upgraded Station Street dining precinct and the fresh food haven known as The Marketplace, together with entertainment venues including Hoyts Watergardens and essential services such as banking and dry cleaning.

With Melbourne Airport less than 20-minutes’ drive away, the new aparthotel is expected to appeal to aviation personnel as well as SMEs seeking an alternative to CBD accommodation.

Daryl Stubbings, Director – Australian Investment Management, said the introduction of home-away-from-home accommodation at Watergardens marks an important step in QIC’s mission to serve the whole-of-life needs of those living and working in Melbourne's outer-west, while also cementing QIC's long-term partnership with Quest Apartment Hotels.

“Combining the rich amenity of our shopping destinations with Quest's serviced apartment offer has already proved a winning combination at Pacific Epping, and we are extremely pleased to be bringing this extra level of visitor convenience and comfort to Taylors Lakes next,” he explained.

“With this year’s upgrade of Station Street introducing a host of new restaurants and more options for alfresco dining, the future guests of Quest Watergardens have much to look forward to,” he added.

Speaking at the sod-turning ceremony, Investment General Manager Megan French-Wright commented: "We’re so pleased that we can deliver this hotel amenity – our first major mixed-use development at Watergardens – and play a part in the unprecedented growth of Melbourne’s north-west."

Her sentiments were echoed by Brimbank City Council Mayor Cr Jasmine Nguyen; "This project is a vote of confidence in Brimbank as a great place to live, to visit for business or to stay while holidaying in the city, and I think that confidence is well-placed with Melbourne’s north-west being one of Australia’s fastest growing areas with easy access to other great parts of Victoria."

David Mansfield, Australian Managing Director of Quest-owner Ascott, said QIC's portfolio of easily reached retail destinations and peripheral landholdings aligned well with the expansion plans of the Melbourne-based operator; “Quest Watergardens is characteristic of our strategy to bring high-quality, contemporary accommodation to well activated suburban areas, in demand among our corporate clients and business travellers.” 

He added: "We're proud to partner with QIC to help make corporate stays effortless and to connect our guests with a range of on-trend dining and retail experiences like those found at Watergardens."

The development coincides with the expansion of the Watergardens Train Station carpark, enabling more seamless travel between Taylors Lakes and the CBD, and follows Sage Hotel Ringwood, Quest Epping and Next Hotel at 80 Collins in demonstrating QIC's commitment to the hotel and hospitality sector.

Quest Watergardens is slated to open late 2022.