Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific's leading deluxe hotel group, announces a new management agreement with the Australian property investor Huntercorp Pacific to operate a 256-room five-star hotel in Cairns, north Queensland.

Following a major renovation in excess of A$25 million, the Radisson Plaza Hotel at the Pier, Cairns will be re-positioned and re-branded as the Shangri-La Hotel, the Marina, Cairns from mid-2004. Located in the new heart of Cairns, the hotel will adjoin the fully refurbished Pier Shopping Centre with open-air restaurants overlooking a new waterfront boardwalk, a 400 square metre swimming lagoon and world-class marina.

The hotel is only 10 minutes drive from Cairns International Airport and an ideal base for visits to the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. The vibrant waterfront areas adjoining the Pier Shopping Centre have been created recently by Cairns Port Authority and Cairns City Council, which, together with the new Shangri-La hotel, will provide a sensational venue for both business and leisure travellers alike.

Overlooking the marina, the hotel is currently being transformed by Sydney-based Watermark Architecture and Interiors. In addition, 36 contemporary Marina View Rooms are being constructed, which will become exclusive Horizon Club rooms, measuring over 50 square metres and featuring 3.3 metre ceilings, wooden floors, luxurious furnishings, ocean view bathrooms and enormous terraces overlooking the yachts and mountains.

A new innovative restaurant will be located on the Pier's boardwalk in the marina and feature international cuisine round-the-clock, with al fresco seating and open kitchens. Recreational facilities include an outdoor swimming pool situated in over an acre of lush tropical gardens, a fitness centre and a 250-square metre spa. Conference facilities will include a 400-seat ballroom, three private boardrooms and two breakout rooms with seating capacity for a further 150 guests.

Jon Hunter, chairman of the Sydney-based Huntercorp Pacific, said: 'This partnership with Shangri-La reflects our commitment to working with a renowned brand that is synonymous with highly personalised and award winning service. Shangri-La has been the benchmark for five-star accommodation in Asia Pacific for a very long time and will take luxury accommodation in Cairns to a whole new level, complementing the recently completed waterfront projects.'

Commenting on the new hotel, Shangri-La's chief executive officer and managing director, Giovanni Angelini, said: 'This hotel will reinforce Shangri-La's presence in the Australian market, which we entered for the first time earlier this year with the rebranding of the ANA Harbour Grand Hotel as the Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney. The prime locations of the Shangri-La Hotel, the Marina, Cairns and our hotel in Sydney will strengthen our brand presence in Australia.'