IHG signs Holiday Inn Express Cockburn, strengthening Western Australia pipeline

IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has accelerated its growth in Western Australia by signing Holiday Inn Express Cockburn, in partnership with SKS Group.

New Property:
Holiday Inn Express Cockburn, a 170-key franchised hotel, scheduled to open in September 2026.

Partnership:
Developed in collaboration with SKS Group, marking their first Holiday Inn Express project in Australia.

Location Advantage:
- Situated in Perth’s southern corridor, about 26 km from the CBD.
- Close to major hubs like the Australian Marine Complex (defence, shipbuilding, industrial) and the Murdoch Medical Precinct (health, education, technology).

Development:
Part of a mixed-use project with a dedicated hotel tower and a separate residential tower.

Strategic Importance:
- Strengthens IHG’s pipeline in Western Australia.
- Reflects the brand’s appeal to owners seeking a proven, efficient operating model with strong returns.

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

Voices from the Announcement
- Matt Tripolone (IHG Managing Director, Australasia & Pacific): Called the signing a “strategically important addition” and praised the partnership with SKS Group.
- Eugene Lim (CFO, SKS Group): Highlighted confidence in IHG’s commercial strength and repositioned the development to Holiday Inn Express for stronger outcomes.

This move underscores IHG’s push to expand its midscale footprint in Australia, targeting high-demand corridors with strong economic drivers.