Multi-million dollar Napier Conference Centre opened

The Napier Conference Centre is officially open following its multi-million-dollar redevelopment.

Glasses of champagne were raised as Napier mayor Bill Dalton made the announcement last night in what he called Hawke's Bay's premier conference meeting centre.

Mr Dalton went on to say the redeveloped facility was now one of the best in New Zealand.

The premiere centre boasts an expansive foyer, a purpose-built large exhibition hall, significant dining space, conference and break out rooms and contemporary decor and furnishings.

It has the ability to host weddings, functions, award dinners, trade shows, conferences and any other formal occasions.

Napier City Council chief executive Wayne Jack said the concept was sitting in the council's long term plan two years ago but was planned for seven years in the future.

When the issue of earthquake strengthening arose the decision was made to turn the old Napier War Memorial Conference Centre around and combine strengthening, extensions and refurbishment work into one major project.

"We have created a fresh purpose built product that will attract businesses from all over, providing fantastic opportunities," Mr Jack said.

According to Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce chief executive Wayne Walford the centre would draw both national and international businessto the Bay.

He said the opportunities would attract the next level of conferences and with the combination of spaces different things would be able to happen all at once.

"It will become a centre of attraction and already there has been conflict of dates with bookings so I am just excited to see it fly."

The picturesque location on Napier's waterfront was another key seller for Mr Dalton.

"The building has been here since 1956 and it has always been a magnificent spot for a conference centre and before that a war memorial hall."

The original building was built as a memorial for those killed in World War II and featured an Eternal Flame and a Roll of Honour listing the fallen soldiers' names.

The Eternal Flame is being kept alight at a secure council location until a new one is confirmed and the Roll of Honour remains on the centre's website.

Despite being officially opened yesterday the centre had already had bookings during the last three weeks with weddings, conferences, seminars and functions.

Napier City Council venues manager Glenys Fraser was thrilled with the amount of interest.

"It has been really busy and the bookings going forward are fantastic."

"Our existing clients were happy to postpone their conferences last year while we did the re-development and are keen to come back again this year."

Ms Fraser said the feedback so far from people using the centre had all been positive.

"Everyone has been overwhelmed by the size of it and they think it looks funky and fresh, we are all very pleased."

This morning the first of the council's Business Breakfast series will take place with New Zealand chef Annabel Langbein as guest speaker.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to view the redeveloped centre on April 1 when it will be open from 10am to 3pm.