Construction has started on a $100 million new premium hotel in central Hamilton that developers say is "a game-changing opportunity" for the city and surrounding region.
Pullman Hamilton is set to open in 2026 with 191 rooms over what will be an 18-level building.
It is being built as an extensive retrofit of what is already Hamilton's tallest building at 42-48 Ward Street, the Mistry Centre within the Centre Place shopping mall.
The hotel will feature two levels of underground car parking, three levels of office and retail space, day spa facilities and multiple eateries including a rooftop bar and restaurant.
Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate called the project "great news".
"Hamilton is a visitor destination and we have known for some time that we need 595 additional hotel rooms and serviced apartments by 2033 to meet visitor demand. Fieldays right now is a great reminder of that," Southgate said in a statement.
"As New Zealand's fourth largest city, and one of the fastest growing, we are now the fifth most visited region in the nation, with visitors spending around $1.9 billion here annually.
"This hotel will create more than 100 jobs and contribute to attracting more visitors and events to our beautiful city and region, boosting our local economy."
The Centre Place shopping precinct is co-owned and operated by Tainui Group Holdings (TGH), which is also 50/50 owners of the Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport Hotel that opened in December.
Pullman is one of the many brands operated by Aotearoa's largest hotel operator Accor along with the likes of Sofitel, Novotel, Mercure and Ibis.
"TGH has a long and successful partnership with Accor which operates our four hotels in Hamilton and Auckland," said TGH CEO Chris Joblin.
"We are pleased to have worked with Mistry Centre on leasing and ownership matters at Centre Place to enable this development to go ahead as we believe Accor's appointment will ensure quality hotel service and enhance the hospitality and tourism experience of visitors to Hamilton and the wider Waikato region."
Pullman Hamilton is set create between 100 and 120 fulltime employee opportunities, developers said.
They did not give a more precise opening date than 2026.
