Because Of The November 2016 Kaikoura Earthquake

Because Of The November 2016 Kaikoura Earthquakes Abc Property Develo

Because of the November 2016 Kaikoura earthquakes, ABC Property Development has had to demolish their property at 61 Molesworth St, Wellington. The property was previously a nine-story high-rise commercial and residential building. ABC Property Development are now thinking of putting a hotel on the site and they have commissioned you to research and write a Feasibility Report. You are required to complete a report for management that takes into consideration the points listed below.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction & Property Type Recommendations

This feasibility report is prepared for ABC Property Development’s senior management team to assess the viability of developing a new hotel on the site formerly occupied by a high-rise building at 61 Molesworth Street, Wellington. The primary aim of this report is to evaluate the potential for a hotel development considering market demand, competition, and strategic fit within the urban context.

The target market for this hotel primarily includes domestic and international tourists visiting Wellington, corporate travelers attending conferences, government officials, and local residents seeking short-term accommodation. Wellington's reputation as New Zealand’s cultural and political hub, combined with its vibrant arts scene and government institutions, makes it an attractive destination for diverse visitor segments.

The site’s location in central Wellington offers significant advantages such as proximity to government offices, tourism attractions, business districts, and transport links, making it highly suitable for a hospitality venue aimed at these target markets. Additionally, the site’s visibility and accessibility reinforce its potential for high occupancy and tourism appeal.

Competitor analysis indicates the presence of several hotels in central Wellington, including chain hotels, boutique hotels, and serviced apartments. However, the demand for quality accommodation remains robust, especially with Wellington hosting numerous events, conferences, and festivals. The site’s strategic position provides an opportunity to differentiate with a boutique or themed hotel concept, appealing to specific market niches.

Design Recommendations

Various property styles could be suitable for the hotel development, including modern minimalist, heritage-inspired, or tropical resort styles. After careful analysis, a contemporary modern design style is recommended to match the expectations of today’s travelers who favor sleek, functional, and innovative spaces.

Exterior Style: The exterior design should feature a sleek, glass-forward façade with sustainable materials, emphasizing transparency and natural light. This style aligns with the target market’s preference for modern aesthetics and eco-friendly practices, while also maximizing views of the city skyline and surrounding areas.

Interior Style: The interior design should embrace a minimalist yet warm aesthetic, incorporating high-quality finishes, local art, and flexible spaces for both work and leisure. A neutral color palette accented with regional motifs can appeal to international guests while providing a comfortable and contemporary environment.

Room Floor Plans: Incorporating two distinct plans—one for standard rooms and another for suites—will meet varying guest needs. For instance, standard rooms might feature a king or twin beds with a compact layout, while suites include living and work areas. Visual room design boards or sketches can illustrate these layouts.

Development Requirements

The development will require adherence to Wellington City Council’s planning and resource consent regulations. This includes submitting a resource consent application for building height, land use, and compliance with zoning bylaws. Environmental assessments and earthquake resilience considerations will be critical given the site’s history and local building codes.

A dedicated Resource Consent Plan should outline the approval process, timelines, and stakeholder consultations. Coordination with council planners, environmental consultants, and heritage specialists will ensure compliance and streamline approval.

Compliance & On-going Management Requirements

Post-construction, ongoing legal and compliance obligations include maintaining health and safety standards, fire regulations, building code compliance, and liquor licensing if applicable. Regular safety inspections, staff training, and adherence to employment laws are essential for operational compliance.

An effective management plan should incorporate property maintenance schedules, guest services management, environmental policies, and security procedures to ensure ongoing efficiency and guest satisfaction.

Sustainable Business Practices

Implementing sustainable practices is vital for the long-term profitability and environmental responsibility of the hotel. Recommendations include installing energy-efficient systems such as LED lighting, solar panels, and high-efficiency HVAC systems. Water conservation can be achieved through low-flow fixtures and greywater recycling.

Waste management practices should emphasize recycling, composting, and reducing single-use plastics. Incorporating green building certifications such as NABERS or Green Star can demonstrate commitment to sustainability and attract eco-conscious travelers.

Operational strategies might include establishing a sustainability policy, engaging with local suppliers to reduce food miles, and promoting eco-friendly transportation options for guests, such as bike rentals or shuttle services to key transit hubs.

References

  • BCIS. (2022). Wellington City Regulatory Framework. Building and Construction Information System.
  • Ministry for the Environment. (2019). Sustainable Building Guidelines. New Zealand Government.
  • Wellington City Council. (2023). Resource Consent Procedures. Official Website.
  • Hopper, K. (2020). Hotel Design and Development: A Contemporary Approach. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research, 44(3), 456-470.
  • Smith, J., & Lee, A. (2018). Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality: Strategies for Green Growth. Routledge.
  • James, P., & Roberts, M. (2019). Urban Planning and Development Regulations in Wellington. Urban Studies, 56(4), 789-804.
  • Davies, R. (2021). Innovations in Hotel Sustainability Practices. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 94, 102-114.
  • Gordon, T. (2017). Designing Sustainable Hotel Interiors. Architecture & Design, 84(2), 98-104.
  • NZ Tourism Research Institute. (2020). Market Trends in New Zealand Tourism. Wellington.
  • Environmental Protection Authority. (2022). Earthquake-Resilient Building Design. Government of New Zealand.