Workers are back on site of the Sudima Hotel in Kaikōura after construction was put on hold due to impacts from the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020.
The $35 million project – developed by Kirk Roberts Consulting – will be a welcome boost to the tourist town’s economy as it continues to recover from the 2016 earthquake and the impacts of Covid-19.
The 120-room 4.5 star-rated waterfront hotel is expected to bring more domestic tourists to the area, with an estimated 70,000 additional new visitors coming to town annually.
The state-of-the art hotel will also provide jobs for around 60 staff, who will be employed locally.
Kirk Roberts Christchurch regional manager Nik George says, “We are excited to see work start back up after the project was put in hibernation due to the loss of the international tourism market when COVID-19 hit.
“We decided to push out the date of completion, and we expect the hotel to be open before the end of the year.”
Kaikoura Mayor Craig Mackle says, “It’s fantastic to see the push to finish the Sudima Hotel, it shows confidence in our town’s future and the first major step in taking our district to the next level.”
Te Rūnanga o kaikōura Ltd managing director Rawiri Manawatu says, “I am pleased to see the hotel construction begin again and look forward to the employment and economic benefit the hotel will provide for the community.”
Kirk Roberts Consulting is also working with Te Rūnanga o kaikōura to integrate the new hotel into the story being told along the motorway on Kaikoura’s coastline.
Kirk Roberts Consulting is delivering the project’s architectural design, structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, environmental design, civil engineering, full project management, quantity surveying, BIM modelling and fabrication design.
Sudima Kaikoura features:
• 120 rooms • 4.5 star-rated • Conference facilities • A gym and pool • Bar and restaurant