$7 million SerVies motel boost for tourism

Visitor accommodation in the Armidale region will receive a major boost by a $7 million project to construct a new motel at the Armidale SerVies Club site, following close cooperation between club management and Council to enable the development to proceed.

The new motel, a 32-room complex between the SerVies Club and the Belgrave Cinema, has been in the pipeline for a number of years and required the resolution of some planning issues, including stormwater drainage and flooding, and increased traffic levels.

“Council planning officers have worked with club representatives to find solutions for these issues and achieve a development application that could be approved,” Armidale Regional Council Mayor Simon Murray said.

 “The new motel complex will be a valuable addition to accommodation in the region and will greatly enhance the club’s capacity to host conventions and other major events.

“This project is another example of Council playing a supporting role for important initiatives, while ensuring these ventures tick all the boxes to protect public amenity and safety.”

The Development Application received Council approval on 5 October and club management expects work to start on the site soon.

Armidale SerVies Club Chief Executive Officer Scott Sullivan said positive liaison between Council planning staff and club representatives played a large part in taking the project to fruition.

“The planning team has been very supportive and proactive in keeping the application moving along and ensuring the complex meets the regulations,” Mr Sullivan said.

“We’re extremely excited about the new motel and its capacity to bring people to the area.

“The modern accommodation, as an integral part of our club, will provide further incentive for visitors to stay longer and explore our wonderful region.”

Today’s announcement was welcomed by the NSW Member for Northern Tablelands, Adam Marshall, who said the venture brought another asset for the region’s tourism industry, while providing a considerable injection of jobs during the motel’s construction.

Mr Sullivan said Mr Marshall’s ongoing hard work and advocacy for the region, both as the local Member and the State Minister for Tourism, was instrumental in generating activity and creating an economic environment in which the club had the confidence to proceed with this multi-million-dollar project.

Published on 17 Oct 2018