Permission sought to build hotel

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 28, 8 December 1987, Page 5

Permission sought to build hotel

A group of British based investors, together with a local Waimarino group, are planning to release the first properties in an area to be known as The Hamlet O h a kune d u r i n g 1988. The project will involve a substantial investment

over a number of years and will be developed in a well planned and controlled manner on the 25 acre site, according to a press release from the developers. "Just minutes from the skifield, the resort will offer a full range of facilities including extensive sports facilities, a health club and medical centre, a hotel with bars, restaurants and a

comprehensive conference centre" say the developers. An essential part of the plan is to develop an airfield to enable package holidays to be offered for both winter and summer and to make the hotel attractive for conferences and trade exhibitions, according to the press release. The health, sport and leisure facilities are to be

under the management of a well known NZ professional and it is proposed to have a unit specialising in the treatment of executive stress. Harvey Bell, one of the resort promoters, commented that "the area does not have enough quality accommodation to attract people wishing to enjoy the wealth of year round activities. Planned promotion of the area as well as of The Hamlet will put Ohakune on the map as an excellent alternative to the more established resorts", said Mr Bell. The Hamlet will offer a combination of houses, timeshare chalets and serviced apartments, all set in a totally landscaped environment. The houses and apartments will be available for sale. The sports and other facilities will be developed early in the programme along with the hotel, although this still requires planning permission. However, initial reaction to the resort has been favourable, say developers.