Carl Taranto is hoping Novocastrians will get caught up in the excitement when the doors open to the city’s first five-star hotel this year.
Boasting 130 rooms across nine floors, ‘Kingsley’ will be located at the former City of Newcastle headquarters, previously known as the Roundhouse, overlooking Civic Park and wrapping around King, Hunter and Darby streets.
It is also set to include a rooftop bar and restaurant, ground floor café and terrace, and two meeting rooms.
As general manager of the newest Crystalbrook Collection hotel, Mr Taranto believes Kingsley will be a drawcard for locals and tourists alike.
“I’m sure there’ll be a lot of people who worked for council who will want to come and see where their old office was and how it’s being utilised now,” he said.
“And that’s okay. We want them to walk through and say ‘wow, look what they’ve done with that’!
“We encourage locals to come and have a look, have a coffee, stay for a cocktail.”
Kingsley’s prize asset is undoubtedly its signature rooftop access, taking in sweeping views of the harbour, city and coastline.
“The top level is a complete new addition to the existing building,” Mr Taranto said.
“We’ve added this floor at the time of the development.
“The views are fantastic. You’ve essentially got 360-degree views to some of Newcastle’s most significant areas.”
Crystalbrook Collection also states that Kingsley will aim to celebrate the city’s past and future.
“One of the group’s commitments to the development was to celebrate what the building was, as well as what it is to come,” Mr Taranto said.
“Kingsley takes its name from what Newcastle was known as in the past – Kingstown.
“And, we’re hoping it fits in with where Newcastle is headed.”
Mr Taranto, who moved from Cairns in November, is passionate about his new hometown.
“It’s got everything here,” he said. “It’s got beautiful beaches, great wineries in the Hunter Valley.
“We’ve got a great up-and-coming culinary scene in central Newcastle and there are a lot of great restaurants that are continuing to open.
“It’s got everything it needs to become both a corporate and a leisure destination.
“It’s an exciting time for Newcastle.”
Born in Melbourne, Mr Taranto began his hotel career in 1998, working as a porter at the Marriot Hotel in Surfer’s Paradise.
“I’ve worked my way through a variety of roles within the hotel industry since then,” he said.
“It’s just something I’m very passionate about, I enjoy it.
“For my personality as well, coming into openings, it’s really rewarding because you’re able to put your vision into the project and draw on everything you’ve learned over the years.
“Collaborating with a team to build something, then finally seeing people walk in the doors, it’s truly rewarding.”
Kingsley is expected to open in April.
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