Work On Extension At Hermitage

Press, Volume C, Issue 29507, 8 May 1961, Page 14

Work On Extension At Hermitage

(From Out Own Reporter)

THE HERMITAGE, May 7.

Work on the estimated £160,000 extension programme at the Hermitage was progressing well and should be completed by early August, said the assistant manager (Mr J. C, Francis) today.

Involved in the building programme is a new two-storey, double-sided bedroom wing wliich will join on at the eastern end of the present bedroom wing, a lift shaft and observation tower in the middle of the present bedroom block foyer, and extra staff quarters.

The original target date for completion of these projects was July 28, said Mr Francis, but with the addition to the original plan of a walk-in shop to be erected off the east side of the present bar landing, the eventual date of completion had been delayed by a week or two. he said. Work on the biggest project, the extra bedroom wing, has been in progress since the first week in February. Since then ducts, concrete foundations and the ground floor frame have almost been completed. This structure, which will be similar to the existing building, will have drivers’ flats on the ground floor. Upstairs from the twin and single-bed rooms visitors will be able to have views of Mount Blackburn or Mount Sefton. The north-east corner upstairs. with views of both Mount Cook and Mount Blackburn, will be used as V.I.P. suites. Each of the rooms in the wing will have a bath in addition to a shower, and improved lighting facilities.

Another project of considerable size is the lift access, excavations for which have now been completed. The shaft is being prepared for the lift. The central portion of the present bedroom block will then be raised another floor to make provision for the lift’s machinery and an observation tower and sun deck. On the bar landing concrete foundations for the walk-in shop have already been laid. To accommodate extra staff needed to cope with the hotel’s enlarged tourist population brought about by the construction of the two wings, additional staff quarters are being made in sections in Dunedin and these will be assembled on the site being prepared at The Hermitage.