Contest to name hotel

THE honour of naming a new $40 million, 120room innercity hotel that is to be built in Invercargill will go to someone in the community, the Invercargill Licensing Trust (ILT) announced on Friday.

ILT chief executive Chris Ramsay said public input was being sought and all sectors of the community were invited to contribute their ideas for the new hotel’s name.

‘‘We’ve always said we’re building more than just a hotel. This is an asset for both locals and travellers. Yes, there will be hotel rooms but also many other features like a bar, cafe, laneway bar and a restaurant for our community to enjoy,’’ he said.

The proposed hotel, which reportedly is expected to be completed by late 2021, was announced last April, and demolition of the buildings at the corner of Don and Dee Sts is already under way.

Entries had to adhere to the consent conditions, which require that the hotel’s name pays homage to the heritage of the site, reflecting its history.

As well as exclusive bragging rights, the winner will receive a night’s accommodation, dinner, a bottle of wine and breakfast at the Ascot Park Hotel, also owned by the ILT; then at the grand opening of the new hotel, they will ‘‘enjoy a VIP experience for two, including dinner, drinks and accommodation.’’

Entries close at 9am on Thursday, February 28.