Work on the $44million redevelopment of The Ville Resort-Casino, Townsville is now complete with the hotel’s Resort Rooms and Suites, lobby, state-of-the-art functions space, pool precinct, and five new dining outlets open to guests.
The renovation, completed in stages over the past two years, brings the total investment of The Morris Group in The Ville to $114million, having bought the property for $70million in 2014, and its total Queensland tourism portfolio to $260million.
From secluded luxury island getaways on the Great Barrier Reef, to scenic helicopter adventures, and soul-enriching eco-experiences of the Daintree, the family-owned business gives discerning travellers the opportunity to explore the diverse natural beauty of Queensland in style and comfort.
The Morris Group also manage pubs, restaurants and resorts in Perth, Sydney and Victoria so are well versed in delivering premium hospitality offerings. Transforming the iconic hotel and casino into a much-needed luxury tropical resort and premier entertainment destination, The Ville is on the doorstep of Magnetic Island with views across the Coral Sea and Townsville cityscape.
Designed by leading architects Woods Bagot, the ocean-view resort and casino is built around a raised infinity pool with swim-up Splash Bar, surrounded by an elevated timber terrace and lush landscaped lawns, the ideal spot for a regular Sunday recovery session or live outdoor concert series.
“Our design was inspired by the stunning natural and historic qualities of Townsville,” says Wade Little, the Lead Designer. “The intention was to create a lush pleasure garden using unpretentious forms and materials — white timber, white brick, plaster — to respect the laid-back atmosphere of Townsville. Echoing the vernacular architecture, the hotel encourages natural cooling through its broad verandas, abundant fanlights, and aligned doors and windows. We preserved the unifying circular motif of the original hotel, repeating it throughout the resort: in the landscape, the terrazzo floors, and even the graphics.”
Featuring a light and airy retro feel, the nine-storey hotel offers 194 guest rooms including Deluxe Rooms for the corporate traveller and Executive Suites for a special getaway to the newly refurbished Resort Rooms and Suites.
Contemporary functionality at its most stylish, the newly renovated mid-level Resort Rooms and Suites take their design cues from the traditional Queenslander with painted timber panelled walls and bedhead.
Combined with the spirit of the tropics through the striking leaf-print carpet and velvet cushions. Retro-cool furnishings give a nod to mid-century Californian hotels, modernised with a clean and simple palette of crisp white, calming grey and luxurious emerald green.
On the lobby level, Miss Songs combines Asian inspired flavours fused with a unique modern flare. After six years on Orpheus Island, executive chef Arie Prabowo takes diners on a journey across the Orient with classic dishes that crescendo with flavour.
Townsville’s iconic social hotspot, The Quarterdeck, is back, with a stylish contemporary design, spacious surroundings and exciting new menu. Once located on Breakwater Marina facing the city skyline and Castle Hill, the new bar overlooks the resort’s pool, perfectly positioned to capture the sea breeze.
The huge, wrap-around bar invokes Bali chic and boasts casual lounge and table seating for up to 330 guests, both indoors and outside, with access to the casino and hotel lobby. The extensive drinks and cocktail menu will be accompanied by an array of light food and meal options from The Quarterdeck’s brand new kitchen.
The final piece in the renovation, The Palm House buffet restaurant features al fresco dining, live cooking stations and a show kitchen, serving breakfast and dinner seven days a week.
The Ville’s brand new flexible state-of-the-art conference, wedding, and special events venue, The Pavilion offers versatile elegance and excellence for every occasion.
Equipped to cater for up to 1200 guests – or 600 seated – The Pavilion is 779sq m of fully-enclosable space with high timber ceilings and wrap around terrace that can be configured into one, two or three event private rooms.
“Townsville is the gateway to Queensland’s far north and the two-year renovation project is a sign of our confidence in the area as a sought-after coastal holiday hotspot as well as a popular destination for corporate retreats,” The Ville CEO Michael Jones said.
“We knew that if Townsville wanted to compete with other regional centres for major conferences and events the city needed an updated venue. The Pavilion will attract corporates and conferences to Townsville which will give the city a much-needed economic boost.”
The Morris Family Foundation has also invested $2.4million in Queensland projects and organisations with meaningful social, economic and environmental impact since 2015.
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