One of the most progressive companies of New Zealand’s hospitality sector has undertaken an ambitious project to recreate Christchurch as a favourite destination.
Sudima Hotels Group has announced that its Christchurch Airport Hotel is in the process of a massive redevelopment programme.
The project, estimated to cost $25 million, will also help to promote confidence among businesses and the resident community, and boost the Government’s ‘Christchurch Rebuild’ initiative in the earthquake-ravaged City.
Formidable challenges
Sudima Hotels New Zealand Chief Executive Sudesh Jhunjhnuwala said that the redevelopment project of the hotel came with a series of challenges.
“As with many projects of this magnitude, particularly in Christchurch, planning and resource consent for the demolition of the original accommodation wing and the refurbishment of other areas of the Hotel has taken longer than expected. Sudima Hotels Limited is delighted to play its role in contributing to the growth and rebuild phase of this wonderful city,” he said.
A Gateway
Describing Christchurch as ‘The Gateway to South Island,’ he said that upon completion, Sudima Christchurch Airport Hotel will provide first-class quality accommodation and conference facilities, servicing all segments of the market.
The project is being implemented in two stages, the first of which is due for completion by June 2015. It will account for a new accommodation wing with 89 rooms, upgraded lobby and reception, refreshed conference facilities and redesigned façade.
“Even as construction works go on, Sudima Christchurch Airport Hotel will continue to operate, albeit with reduced inventory of 158 rooms. The second and final stage of the project will be completed by early 2016 with 247 rooms, a new exterior and public area,” Mr Jhunjhnuwala said.
The Hind Group
Sudima Hotels is a part of the Hind Group, renowned for its choice investment in properties and hotel ownership on either side of the Tasman.
The Group operates four hotels under the Sudima brand (Sudima Auckland Airport, Sudima Lake Rotorua, Sudima Christchurch Airport and Sudima Hamilton, a managed property) in New Zealand and Sudima Suites (a self-contained apartment-style property) in Brisbane, Australia.
Help after tremor
As deadly earthquakes rocked Christchurch on February 22, 2011, Sudima Hotel Christchurch Airport went out of its way to comfort people who fled from their homes and other places of accommodation, by either offering its services free of cost or charging a nominal amount (Indian Newslink, March 15, 2011).
More than 900 people were provided with accommodation and food over the 24-hour period following the killer tremor.
“Hundreds of people arrived at the Sudima immediately after the earthquake seeking information and a place to shelter while they awaited flights out of the city. The Hotel offered free meals and provided pillows and bedding for the hundreds that wanted to stay the night. A free continental breakfast was also provided the next morning while people waited for the airport to re-open.”
Maori Scholarships
Last year, Sudima Lake Rotorua Hotel launched a Scholarship Programme to promote the interests of young Maori in conjunction with the Ngati Whakaue Education Endowment Trust Board (Indian Newslink, October 1, 2013).
The Scholarships are open to descendants of an original Owner in the Pukeroa Oruawhata Block; or to descendants of one or more of the six Koromatua of Ngati Whakaue. Preference may be given to residents of the Rotorua/Maketu District who have attended at least four academic years of study in a specified secondary school in the area.
