The transformation of Melbourne’s Yarra River precinct to a high class business centre and popular tourist destination is complete with the opening of Hilton Melbourne South Wharf.

The five star hotel and adjoining new Melbourne Convention Centre form part of a new development known as South Wharf, which extends the riverside esplanade from Southbank to Docklands. The buildings were designed by architects Woods Bagot and NH Architecture for the Plenary Group and are bringing new life to the Yarra.

Allstaff Air-conditioning Construction Manager Mike Parry said the decision to integrate the Hilton with the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) had been a clever one. Hotel guests can access the MCEC without having to leave the complex, and when the conference is over they are in the heart of Melbourne’s newest entertainment and dining district.

Mike said the architects had drawn inspiration from the Yarra River and this was evident with the extensive use of timber throughout the building, and the earthy tones.

All guest rooms and suites have panoramic views of either the Yarra River and city skyline or Port Phillip Bay. It comprises 364 contemporary styled rooms over 13 levels with a further 30 deluxe suites over two levels. Two levels of luxury serviced apartments are also available for guests looking to experience home away from home.

Fantech supplied a range of axial, centrifugal and mixed flow in-line fans and a number of relief cowls for the hotel.

“Like most hotels, each of the 396 rooms has an in-ceiling fan coil unit with controlled tempered outside air supplied to each room on the 19 floors. The central plant room is located on the 20th floor providing the central chilled water and heating water systems,” Mike said. “The corridor spaces were very tight and a lot of co-ordination was required to integrate all the services in the allocated space.”

But the Hilton is so much more than a place to stay. Michelin-starred chef Ramon Freixa oversees the running of the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, Nuevo 37, and riverside bar Sotano Wine and Tapas. His Spanish influence is obvious in both the menu and décor, and even in the restaurant’s name – ‘neuvo’, meaning ‘new’ in Spanish and 37 referring to Melbourne’s latitude.

In Sotano, the traditional Spanish cellar is a striking feature, with 2,500 wine bottles suspended from the 7m ceilings. Foodies are equally impressed by the preserved meats and cheeses hanging in the charcuterie.

The Hilton brand is synonymous with luxury and impeccable service, and the Hilton Melbourne South Wharf is no exception.