The eastern end of Perth’s CBD has undergone a significant transformation, driven by the development of the luxurious 5‑star Westin Hotel at 480 Hay Street. This $500 million, 26‑storey project by BGC has become a catalyst for revitalising what was once a tired and overlooked precinct.
Positioned between Hay, Murray and Irwin Streets—just a block from Royal Perth Hospital and close to Victoria Square—The Westin extends the renewed energy created by the nearby State Buildings. The result is a more connected, welcoming and active urban environment, supporting a vibrant 24‑hour hospitality and entertainment precinct.
Set within a tree‑lined heritage pocket, the redevelopment comprises a 26‑storey, 362‑room Westin Hotel alongside a 22‑storey A‑grade office tower. The precinct also features 800 m² of retail and dining space, with the restored Hibernian Hall reimagined as a signature food and beverage destination. Beneath the development, three basement levels provide parking and essential back‑of‑house services to support hotel operations.
As lead architects, Hassell approached the redevelopment of Hibernian Place as a rare opportunity to redefine a significant city landmark. Their design intent focused on drawing people into the precinct and creating a seamless relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces — enhancing the site’s social, economic and cultural value for both the client and the wider community.
A key architectural move was the ‘floating’ hotel ballroom positioned above the restored Hibernian Hall. This strategy created premium event space while enabling a new public plaza beneath, strengthening the precinct’s role as an activated urban destination.
Specialist Engineering Collaboration
The project brought together multiple specialist consultants, each contributing critical expertise to the delivery of this complex, high‑end hospitality precinct. Colliers provided the structural engineering and value‑engineering solutions for the hotel and office tower, while Geoff Hesford Engineering delivered the mechanical services design for the development.
Hera Engineering were engaged as the specialist designers for the post‑tensioned slabs, addressing significant structural challenges including thin slab profiles, large two‑way cantilevers and strict deflection criteria for the façade system. They also developed advanced temporary works solutions to support the fast‑tracked construction program, enabling the site team to achieve ambitious four‑day slab cycles and maintain productivity across multiple levels.
Together, these engineering disciplines ensured the project’s technical performance, constructability and delivery efficiency, supporting the successful realisation of a landmark mixed‑use development.
Key Challenges
- Integrating new construction with heritage structures — Ensuring modern hotel and office design worked seamlessly with the restored Hibernian Hall.
- Coordinating complex services on a tight CBD site — Navigating limited space while routing mechanical, electrical and fire systems through both new and heritage buildings.
- Delivering a premium 5‑star hotel experience — Meeting high operational standards across 368 rooms, hospitality spaces and guest amenities.
- Activating the surrounding precinct — Designing retail and dining interfaces that support the revitalisation of Perth’s east end and encourage continuous activity.
- Planning for future development stages — Engineering systems with the flexibility to support long‑term precinct growth.
- Achieving a Gold LEED sustainability rating — Meeting stringent environmental performance benchmarks to secure one of WA’s few Gold‑level certifications.
Technical Achievements
- Successful integration of heritage and contemporary engineering — Modern building systems were incorporated into heritage structures without compromising architectural integrity.
- Delivery of a high‑performance 26‑storey hotel tower — Advanced mechanical, electrical and sustainability systems support luxury operations and long‑term efficiency.
- Gold LEED certification — Recognised for excellence in energy performance, environmental design and sustainable construction practices.
- Precinct‑wide activation through smart services planning — Engineering solutions enabled new retail, dining and public‑realm opportunities along Irwin Street.
- Advanced structural engineering solutions — Colliers and Hera Engineering delivered a suite of innovative structural strategies, including partially piled raft alternatives, clay layer tanking to reduce dewatering requirements, partial top‑down construction, wind tunnel testing, and specialist post‑tensioned slab design to accommodate thin slab profiles, large cantilevers and stringent deflection limits.
- Future‑ready infrastructure — Systems were designed with capacity and flexibility to support future development stages without major disruption.
OpenBIM Leadership
The Westin Hotel development is one of the first projects in Australia to adopt a true OpenBIM approach. It marked a turning point in the industry, demonstrating how coordinated digital delivery could streamline construction and improve outcomes. Watch the video
Draftech’s Involvement
Draftech were engaged to deliver mechanical services modelling and shop detailing for 480 Hay Street — a landmark 5‑star hotel and office development in Perth.
Our scope included the preparation of detailed mechanical shop drawings aligned with design intent, covering HVAC systems, airside and waterside equipment, ductwork, air terminals, and chilled and hot water pipework.
We also developed clear 2D sections, 3D views, schematics and equipment schedules to support delivery on site.
A key part of our role was interdisciplinary coordination — using Navisworks for clash detection and resolution, while providing consistent weekly model updates to keep the project moving forward.
What a privilege it was to be involved in a project where we were able to use our DT workflow and systems to achieve a successful outcome for our client.
Draftech – Your Project, Our Expertise
Want to know more about the luxurious 5‑star Westin Hotel at 480 Hay Street, Perth WA.
https://ghengineering.com.au/project/westin-hotel/
https://www.stantec.com/en/projects/australia-projects/-/480-hay-street-perth-the-westin-hotel
Testimonials
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Thank you for all your efforts on our projects; they have been an invaluable contribution to their success. We look forward to working with you on future projects.
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Todd Morris Manager - Air mech
Draftech were put forward to FIP Electrical as the solution to Coordinate, Model, carry out clash detection, provide Electrical Services Shop Drawings, as built documentation and completed electrical model.
Simon Thorpe FIP Electrical
In close collaboration Draftech set up all our systems and model deliverables. In this process Draftech have proven to be a valuable resource for us and demonstrated commitment, understanding and professionalism.
David Skelley DJCoalition
Draftech’s attention to detail and proactive nature throughout the project assisted us in identifying issues before becoming evident on site, saving us both time and unexpected costs.
Matt Payne PJM Engineering Services
They delivered very high quality Revit models and associated 2D documentation at key milestones, working to a tight budget and in strict accordance with the Architects’ BIM requirements.
Peter Thomas Geoff Hesford
We found Draftech’s work to be of high standard and the team delivered exactly as agreed, in fact, when we considered the project complete, Draftech put further resources into the project as they were not satisfied.
John Johnson Beca
Engaging Draftech during design gave us the tools to make smart decisions.
Hansen Yuncken Design Manager - Michael Harkins
The drafting service is timely, reliable and fit for purpose for the built environment.
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TOM PURDON MPM GROUP
