12 March 2012

The Wellington Employers’ Chamber of Commerce has lamented the lost opportunity in the proposal to develop an office building on Wellington’s waterfront rather than a hotel.

This comes as monthly accommodation data released today confirm Wellington’s growth as a visitor destination.

Statistics New Zealand’s Accommodation Survey for January showed a 2.1% annual growth in commercial guest nights for Wellington against a New Zealand-wide decline of 4.2%.

“We have long been calling for investment in Wellington’s visitor infrastructure and facilities in particular a five star hotel,” said Chamber President Richard Stone.

“In this regard, we were disappointed that a hotel development for the prime waterfront location in the Kumutoto Precinct seems to have been ruled out. Our submission to the waterfront company last Friday makes this point.

“Another significant gap in Wellington’s range of visitor amenities is a world standard convention centre.

“This should not be local government-owned but the Wellington City Council has a facilitative role in making it happen and we will be pursuing this over coming months.

“A five star hotel and a convention centre would capitalise on the growing interest in Wellington as a destination as well as its geographical position in the centre of the country. Central city locations including the waterfront should be considered for both.

“Its imperative the city works towards achieving these developments,” Mr Stone concluded.

Click here to access the Chamber’s submission on the waterfront development

ENDS

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