Two Waikato developers have revealed plans for a multi-million dollar hotel on a 1.5ha site in Victoria Road, Cambridge.
In the area between Shaw’s and the Waikato Expressway northern on ramp is land where developers plan to build a hotel. Pictured with Cambridge Chamber of Commerce chief executive Kelly Bouzaid, centre, is Jonny Schick, left, and Mark Wright. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
The project is subject to Waipā District Council approval as it is a discretionary activity in a residential zone, Jonny Schick told The News in an exclusive briefing earlier today.
Schick, owner of Shaw’s Wire Ropes in Victoria Road – less than 650m from the hotel’s proposed site – and Mark Wright of Paragon Commercial fronted the briefing.
Shaw’s Victoria Ltd is the company behind the proposal on a site adjacent to the Waikato Expressway northern on ramp at Hautapu.
Cambridge born and bred Schick revealed he, his brother-in-law Berridge Spencer and Mark Hiddleston of Peninsula Capital in Auckland, own 25ha and 12 titles from Victoria Road to Abergaldie Way, one of which will house the proposed hotel.
“We want to control the narrative so it doesn’t look piecemeal,” said Schick.
“Ultimately it is long term about protecting Cambridge.”
Wright lives in Tamahere but calls Cambridge “home”.
“I don’t think you would find anybody more invested in Cambridge than Jonny and he’s committed to doing the right thing,” he said.
Which is why Wright said he wanted to get involved in the project.
“No-one’s going to look after the town or the interests of the town like Jonny will.”
Dealing with councils is what he has done with other developments and he said he was enjoying the consistency and planning at Waipā.
“We’ve been really delving deep into what does Cambridge need or want and how do you protect the central part of the town.
“The thing about Cambridge is it’s unique. It’s a fact there isn’t another town in New Zealand which has got the feel that Cambridge has,” said Wright.
The area around Victoria Road where a hotel is planned.
An aerial view showing the proposed hotel site at 129 Victoria Road, Cambridge which was bought for $905,000 in December 2019 and is now valued at $2.71 million. It is zoned residential. Photo: Supplied.
Now an empty paddock, before that the New Zealand Transport Agency based operations out of there during the Waikato Expressway construction ……. soon a hotel.
The proposed hotel will be a five-storey, high-quality iconic gateway development for Cambridge, a presentation to the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce Business After Five function at Shoof International revealed later.
It will provide scale and conference facilities that Cambridge does not yet have along with an up-market roof top restaurant, said Mark Chrisp from Mitchell Daysh.
Mark Chrisp
There would be significant local business and employment opportunities during construction and operation, he said.
The last thing they wanted to do was undermine the Cambridge central business district, said Schick.
“Protecting the hierarchy of the CBD is really important.”
The growth that was going to happen in Cambridge once the commercial and residential developments to the north and west were complete was going to be interesting.
“What are the actual needs of the town at that point of time so that it still stays thriving and keeps its character?” said Wright.
“For visitors and from a central Waikato perspective, why not stay here? (in Cambridge). Why not stay at our hotel, come in and shop in town or experience Cambridge?”
Chamber of Commerce chief executive Kelly Bouzaid said she was excited about the new development and what it would mean for Cambridge.
The prospects were mouth watering she said particularly in the conference capability space.
“It creates a nice economy and employment opportunities and I like they are protecting the CBD,” she said.
The time frame now is to meet with Waipā district and Waikato Regional Council planners, then engage technical consultants.
The developers would consult with New Zealand Transport Agency, neighbours, tangata whenua, Waipā Networks and the chamber of commerce.
They hope to finalise and lodge resource consent applications by December.
No construction date was given but in response to a question suggesting four or five years, Schick said: “Quicker than that, all going well.”
They would also look to partner with a hotel management company.
Mark Wright, left, and Jonny Schick, right of Shaw’s Victoria Ltd Cambridge Hotel. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
Jonny Schick and Mark Wright of Shaw’s Victoria Ltd Cambridge Hotel. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
