A $25m hotel development to be built on historic site near Port Arthur massacre

IT’S the scene of Australia’s worst shooting massacre, and now there are plans for a $1000-a-night hotel built near the historic site.

Federal Group announces that it will proceed with Port Arthur luxury resort development. Artists impressions of the hotel. EMBARGO until 12pm 15/4/16

LESS than a fortnight before Port Arthur commemorates the two-decade anniversary of a devastating massacre, plans have been revealed for a new luxury resort overlooking the World Heritage-listed historic site.

The Federal Group on Friday unveiled a $25 million concept which includes 20 suites — expected to cost more than $1000 per night — and a restaurant, bar and spa treatment facility.

Here’s an artist’s impressions of the hotel, with beds going for $1000 per night.

The group plans to continue with the resort development despite concerns about its gaming monopoly, initially seeking an extension of its poker machine licence before going ahead with investment plans worth $100m the ABC reported.

The Tasmanian State Government reportedly ignored the request, with plans to open up the rights to pokies in clubs and pubs to competition throughout the Apple Isle from 2023.

Construction is expected to begin in 2018 on a site currently occupied by a motor inn on a rise on the fringe of the historic site.

The style and design is to take in the breathtaking beauty of southern Tasmania.

Architect Peter Walker said there had been a design focus on providing spaces for quiet reflection and contemplation from vantage points with views over the 1800s penitentiary, now in ruins, and the nearby Isle of the Dead.

“The resort is focused on providing a unique guest experience that is completely luxurious yet understated and respectful to the site,” he said.

Yes, it’s a sweet-looking design, but only 40 guests per night can stay.

With a capacity for up to 40 guests, the resort would also include an on-site vegetable garden, while an off-site farm would grow produce for consumption at the property’s dining room.

The Federal Group, which also runs Saffire — voted the nation’s best luxury resort — on Tasmania’s east coast, said there was strong demand in the high-end tourism market.

Stakeholders said the new development would help drive business and visitors to the state’s southeast Tasman Peninsula, which took a hit as a tourism hot spot in the years following the 1996 massacre in which 35 people were killed and 23 injured.

On April 28 a commemorative service will be held at the historic site to mark the 20-year anniversary.