Ann: GENERAL: SKC: SKYCITY announces new Auckland Hotel

• Release Date: 13/08/14 08:34
• Summary: GENERAL: SKC: SKYCITY announces new Auckland Hotel
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					SKC
13/08/2014 08:34
GENERAL

REL: 0834 HRS SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited (NS)

GENERAL: SKC: SKYCITY announces new Auckland Hotel

Today SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited revealed plans to build a new hotel
and pedestrian laneway of bars, restaurants and boutique shopping on land it
owns in the Nelson and Hobson Streets block, expanding the SKYCITY
Entertainment Precinct.
"We are excited to announce that a new hotel and contemporary pedestrian
laneway will soon be added to extend the SKYCITY Entertainment Precinct over
three blocks in the heart of Auckland's inner city," says SKYCITY Chief
Executive Nigel Morrison.
The hotel and pedestrian laneway form part of our master plan for the
development of the Hobson and Nelson Streets block and will be built as part
of the New Zealand International Convention Centre complex. This master plan
will further contribute to the rejuvenation of the central city's western
edge and create an enhanced contemporary and dynamic space for Aucklanders
and tourists alike.
"We believe our new SKYCITY hotel will be an important addition to Auckland's
tourism infrastructure. This new 300 bed hotel is a major New Zealand tourism
project and it will complement other hotels being built in downtown Auckland.
Taken together, these developments are a major vote of confidence in
Auckland's future as a vibrant, evolving city of international standing.
"Indeed, SKYCITY has every confidence in the ongoing growth of Auckland. Our
SKYCITY Hotel and SKYCITY Grand already have 90% occupancy and, through the
combined work of Tourism New Zealand and Auckland Tourism, Events and
Economic Development, we know that projected visitation to Auckland is
expected to have strong growth."
The hotel will be 5 star accommodation offering 300 beds, bringing the total
number of beds available within the SKYCITY Entertainment Precinct to nearly
1000. It will be linked by an air bridge to the rest of the SKYCITY, enabling
guests to enjoy the best in New Zealand dining, bars, entertainment and the
unique Sky Tower experience within a short, covered walk from their hotel
room.
"We are also creating a pedestrian laneway adjacent to the new SKYCITY
hotel," Mr Morrison says. "This laneway will be a contemporary version of the
historic Vulcan Lane with bars, restaurants and boutique shopping at street
level. It will provide a pedestrian walkway linking Hobson and Nelson Streets
for Aucklanders and visitors to use and enjoy."
Design of the hotel and laneway is a collaboration between Warren and Mahoney
and Moller Architects. Principal and Executive Director of Warren and
Mahoney, John Coop, says we are designing a diverse and exciting place for
tourists to visit and for the local community to use.
"The new SKYCITY hotel is a landmark opportunity to create a truly
international modern hotel within central city. In Auckland, most of our
current four and five star hotels are from a previous era; they are
constructed of very solid brick masonry or concrete, and while they may have
been successfully upgraded, still reflect the past. With a completely new
build hotel, we have an opportunity to use modern technologies and
contemporary
design and planning methods in the room and fixture design. In a beautifully
integrated project, we will create lightness in the way the space feels and
capitalise on beautiful views towards the harbour and urban landscape."
"This is a very significant time for SKYCITY as it further invests in major
infrastructure projects that will enhance the city of Auckland, benefit
Aucklanders and visitors alike and continue to strengthen our business,"
concluded Mr Morrison.
End CA:00253779 For:SKC    Type:GENERAL    Time:2014-08-13 08:34:10