New hotel overlooking Thorndon Park off Rezz Hotel’s agenda
A PLAN for a hotel overlooking Thorndon Park’s lake will not go ahead and the publican and government have blamed each other for its demise.
The plan – first mooted by the Rezz Hotel nearly a decade ago – involved a land swap with the State Government, which would have resulted in a hotel being built on the Transport Department depot on Hamilton Tce.
But Rezz co-owner Richard Hamood has called off negotiations, citing “ongoing government indecision”.
Instead, the hotel will undergo a multi-million dollar upgrade at its current site, Mr Hamood said.
“Our vision was to build an iconic venue fronting Gorge Rd, on the depot site, which would also have met Campbelltown Council’s vision under its 30-Year Plan with the current Rezz site earmarked for high-density living,” Mr Hamood said.
“But as this is not possible unfortunately due to ongoing government indecision, we will stay where we are.
“Our existing site is also adjacent to Thorndon Park Reserve and we will be able to create something special that the community can be proud of.”
As previously reported by the East Torrens Messenger, the proposal to build a new hotel to take advantage of an expanded Thorndon Park dates back to mid-2004 when it was presented to a Campbelltown Council meeting.
The deal would have allowed the Hamoods to build a new up-market hotel, integrated into the south-eastern side of Thorndon Park, allowing unimpeded views over the reserve.
A Transport Department spokeswoman said “the decision to cease negotiations was one taken solely by Rezz”.
“At all times during the negotiations (the department’s) position was that any deal had to satisfy its requirement for a suitable alternative depot site – at no cost to taxpayers,” she said. “This has always been clearly articulated to and understood by Rezz.”
Campbelltown acting chief executive Michelle Hammond said, despite previous plans falling through, the upgraded hotel would “be a great asset for the local community and is likely to attract a greater number of visitors to our city”.
Under the new plans, the hotel will be upgraded to include a new function area, extended accommodation, refurbished lounges, pokies room, bottle shop, bar and cafe. Work is expected to start in 2015.