New 170-key franchised hotel set to open in September in partnership with SKS Group.

IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) has accelerated its growth in Western Australia by signing Holiday Inn Express Cockburn, in partnership with SKS Group.

Scheduled to open later this year, the 170-key franchised property will form part of a new mixed-use development currently under construction, featuring a purpose-built hotel tower and separate residential tower.

Located in Perth’s southern corridor, approximately 26 kilometres from the city’s CBD, Cockburn offers strong fundamentals to support long-term demand. Holiday Inn Express Cockburn will be positioned close to key economic drivers, including the Australian Marine Complex, a major defence, shipbuilding and industrial hub, and the Murdoch Medical Precinct, a leading centre for health, education and technology.

Matt Tripolone, Managing Director, Australasia & Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “Holiday Inn Express Cockburn is a strategically important addition to IHG’s Western Australia portfolio. It’s a pleasure to partner with SKS Group on the development of its first Holiday Inn Express hotel in Australia – a collaboration that reflects our shared ambition to create long-term value and strengthen our presence in important growth markets.

“At IHG, we remain focused on expanding our portfolio of globally recognised brands that drive commercial success. This signing underscores the strong appeal of Holiday Inn Express to owners seeking a proven, efficient operating model that delivers impressive returns while meeting the evolving needs of today’s travellers.”

SKS Group is an Australian property development and construction group with a diversified portfolio across residential, commercial and mixed-use projects, and a track record delivering large-scale developments throughout Western Australia and Malaysia.

Eugene Lim, Chief Financial Officer, SKS Group, said: “Our confidence in IHG’s ability to deliver strong commercial outcomes led us to reposition this development to Holiday Inn Express. The brand’s proven track record, powerful distribution platform and compelling value proposition make it an ideal fit for both our investment strategy and this location. We’re looking forward to welcoming guests through our doors later this year.”

Holiday Inn Express is IHG’s fastest-growing essential brand, with more than 3,275 hotels open and 664 in the pipeline globally, including 11 open across Australasia & Pacific.