WA is about to get Australia’s first Holiday Inn Express as part of a major new development in Perth’s south.

The residential and hotel complex will be built in Cockburn by IHG Hotels & Resorts in partnership with property developer SKS Group.

The 170-room hotel tower will form part of a new mixed-use development that includes a separate residential tower.

It is scheduled to open in September 2026.

IHG managing director for Australasia and Pacific hotels Matt Tripolone said that he was excited about the benefits of opening the inn in such a strategic and central location about 26km south of the Perth CBD.

“Holiday Inn Express Cockburn is a strategically important addition to IHG’s Western Australia portfolio,” he said.

“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.”

The hotel will be close to key economic drivers in WA such as the industrial Australian Marine Complex and the technologically advanced Murdoch medical precinct.

IHG is a global hospitality company encompassing 20 hotel brands spread across 100 countries.

Mr Tripolone said it had no plans to slow its expansion.

“At IHG, we remain focused on expanding our portfolio of globally recognised brands that drive commercial success,” he said.

“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 chief financial officer Eugene Lim said that the partnership with IHG was promising.

“Our confidence in IHG’s ability to deliver strong commercial outcomes led us to reposition this development to Holiday Inn Express,” he said.

“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.”