Hobart’s Novotel Hotel has reached a major construction milestone, with a topping-out ceremony marking the building’s full height.
The $65 million hotel, which includes a function centre, restaurant, pool and basement parking, will offer 206 rooms and is being built on the site of the former Myer homewares on Macquarie Street.
Senior Project Manager for Hutchinson Builders Mark Dawson placed a tree at the structure’s apex to celebrate the occasion, a tradition dating back centuries.
Dawson said the project, which began 18 months ago, is about two-thirds complete with construction on track for completion in the new year.
“We started January the previous year, we’ve been going for about 18 months,” he said.
“We should be finished early next year all going well, so it’s a good milestone to get to the top.”
Minister for State Development, Construction and Housing Guy Barnett has called the development a “major achievement.”
“The project value is $65 million which is a significant development in our economy and represents confidence in Tasmania’s future demand for hotels,” he said.
“To date, more than 500 workers have been involved in this project, across various trades and professional services.”
“By the time the project is complete early next year, its expected more than 800 workers will have contributed in some way.”
“Of these workers, there has been more than 50 apprentices learning new skills and building their career on this site, while also building hotel rooms for the future.”
