A $25 million Havelock North hotel development has been given the green light to begin construction in the new year.
Lowmac Properties developer David Mackersey said plans had been finalised and consents granted for the Havelock North Village Exchange, planned to replace the Happy Tav on the corner of PorterDrv and Te Aute Rd.
Mr Mackersey's development company, co-owned by Lowe and Mackersey families, had worked closely with Hastings District Council for almost 10 years to ensure the hotel would "enhance the village's overall appeal".
"What we're planning will add to the village offering long term, future-proofing the heart of Havelock North as the major boutique shopping centre for years to come."
The Happy Tav would close at the end of this year so the site could be cleared and excavated. The two-year development project would begin in January next year, ultimately producing a 40 room, five-star boutique hotel, bar and restaurant, function and conference facilities, a central courtyard, seven retail spaces including a cafe, first-floor offices and a basement car park with 96 spaces.
Andy Lowe, whose late father was Hawke's Bay business leader and philanthropist Graeme Lowe, said he was delighted the project had been given the go-ahead.
"This development was a long-time dream of my father's, so it's fantastic to see the vision he had for the site finally coming to fruition."
Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule said the hotel was "an exciting development" which would give business a boost in Hawke's Bay.
Havelock North Business Association president Sam Jackman said there had been a hotel on the site since the 1800s and this new development would "continue this historic element of the village".
"Additionally, having the new hotel's advertising and marketing budgets to promote the village and Havelock North as a premium holiday destination is also a very welcome bonus for the entire village business community."
