Central Apartment Group has capped off a milestone year, celebrating 20 years of operation alongside a period of strong momentum and strategic growth — with Rockhampton emerging as a key focus in the Group’s expanding development pipeline as it looks ahead to an ambitious 2026.
Founded by CEO Sid Knell, Central Apartment Group has grown to 25 locations nationwide, including 11 properties in Queensland, with a strong regional footprint. Of these, eight properties are located across Central Queensland, spanning Rockhampton, Gladstone, Town of 1770, Emerald and Mackay — underscoring the Group’s long-term confidence in regional centres that support business travel, events and extended stays.
Throughout 2025, Central Apartment Group continued to progress major projects across Queensland and Victoria, reinforcing its commitment to high-quality accommodation in growth regions. In Central Queensland, Rockhampton remains a standout priority, playing an increasingly important role in the Group’s future footprint alongside other key locations including Gladstone and Emerald. Early works are expected to commence in Emerald in early 2026, while approvals continue to advance across the broader portfolio — reflecting strong confidence in long-term demand.
Reflecting on the milestone, Sid Knell acknowledged the strength of regional partnerships and people behind the Group’s success.
“Reaching 20 years is a proud moment for our entire team,” Sid said.
“Our growth has been built on strong regional partnerships, exceptional teams on the ground, and destinations like Rockhampton that continue to perform as vital hubs for business and long-stay visitation.”
A highlight of the year was Central Apartment Group’s Queensland end-of-year celebration, hosted in Gladstone, home to four Central Apartment Group properties. The event was officially welcomed by Matt Burnett, Mayor of Gladstone Regional Council, recognising the Group’s ongoing investment and contribution to the region.
Looking ahead, a major milestone for 2026 will see Central Apartment Group’s first property transition to a co-branding arrangement with Best Western Hotels by 30 April 2026. This strategic partnership will elevate international visibility and unlock new distribution opportunities through Best Western’s extensive global network, further strengthening the Group’s appeal to domestic and international business travellers.
Mary Carroll, CEO of Capricorn Enterprise, welcomed Central Apartment Group’s continued investment in Rockhampton and the wider region.
“Central Apartment Group’s ongoing expansion and commitment to quality accommodation is a significant win for our region,” Mary said.
“These developments strengthen our visitor offering, support business travel and events, and play an important role in driving sustainable economic growth for Rockhampton, the Capricorn Coast and wider Central Queensland.”
The milestone year also recognised excellence within the Group’s teams, with Rockhampton Riverside Central Hotel Manager Sonia Pattenden and her team receiving Sid’s CEO Award for Excellence, acknowledging their outstanding dedication to guests in Australia’s Beef Capital.
As Central Apartment Group celebrates 20 years of growth and looks ahead to its next chapter, Rockhampton remains firmly positioned as a cornerstone of the Group’s regional development strategy — signalling continued confidence in the city’s role as a hub for business, events and long-stay visitation across Central Queensland.
Central Apartment Group: https://www.centralapartmentgroup.com.au
