Melview Developer Eyes Central Otago
August 3, 2007 - The National Business Review
Hard on the heels of multimillion-dollar hotel announcements, Auckland developer Nigel McKenna of Melview Developments is eyeing up land for another South Island resort.
Just a week ago Mr McKenna revealed that UK-based BlueSky Capital was investing $300 million in his Kawarau Falls resort development at Queenstown. This news came soon after two international hotel operators announced their commitment to the project.
Now Mr McKenna hopes to weave his resort-making magic on the McArthur Ridge vineyard property near Alexandra in Central Otago.
Grape-growing and life-style blocks within the 821ha property have been developed and marketed over the past couple of years and are held by various owners. About 200ha of pinot noir grapes have been planted.
Melview will seek a private change to the district plant to develop the area with a Greg Turner-designed golf course, a five-star resort hotel, a conference centre and residential developments. A master plan has been prepared by Studio of Pacific Architecture.
The development could be the equivalent of another Millbrook Resort, with a sales value of about $300 million.
Mr McKenna highlighted the appeal of the region for tourism. He said that during the time he had spent in Central Otago planning the Kawarau Falls venture he had become keen on the region.
Melview has carried out community consultation to identify appropriate development options.
Meanwhile, Hawkins Construction has begun work at Mr McKenna's Kawarau Falls resort on the edge of Lake Wakatipu near Queenstown Airport.
It will include residential accommodation, four hotels, restaurants and bars.
Mr McKenna remains busy in Auckland too. He recently opened a five-star hotel, The Westin, in his $300 million Lighter Quay development.
Resort hailed as biggest project since Clyde Dam - August 2 2007, Business Day
Youngsters brave downpour to get closer to nature - August 1 2007, North Yorkshire News
$300m in Kawarau Falls – July 27 2007, The National Business Review
Resort investor adds $300m to development - July 27, 2007, Otago Daily Times
McKenna sells third of a billion dollar Queenstown development - July 27 2007, Globalkiwis.com
Approval for big resort investment - 27 July 2007, The Press by David Williams
$300m resort sale - July 27 2007, The New Zealand Herald
UK fund earmarks $300 million for Queenstown development - July 26 2007, The National Business Review By Tamsyn Parker
BlueSky Capital to Buy Four Hotels in Queenstown, New Zealand - July 25 2007, Bloomberg By Tracy Withers
McKenna sells third of a billion dollar Queenstown Development - July 25 2007, TMC Net
Youngsters put nature project in picture - July 25 2007, Northern Echo
Approval for big resort investment - July 7 2007, The Press
A little place for that greener getaway - May 22 2007, The London Paper
Green Light - April 7 2007, GNER Livewire Magazine
North Yorkshire’s natural place to retreat from it all - March 25 2007, The Guardian
Great green getaways - February 22 2007, Pure Yorkshire
New wave eco-lodges - February 11 2007, The Sunday Times
New company to take ‘green’ lodges design idea nationwide - February 7 2007, North Yorkshire News
Encouraging the Natural way to enjoy a holiday - February 6 2007, Yorkshire Post Business
Richard Hammond’s clean break Aislabeck, Yorkshire - February 3 2007, The Guardian
Next year I want to……..be greener - December 30 2006, The Guardian