Rezz Hotel in Newton planned for demolition to make way for new $14 million hotel and function centre

THE popular Rezz hotel would be bulldozed to make way for a $14 million, five-storey function and accommodation venue under bold new plans.

An artist’s impression of a potential $14 million hotel and function centre on the current site of the Rezz hotel in Newton.

Co-owners and brothers Richard and Fred Hamood are finalising a proposal for the Hamilton Tce hotel’s first major upgrade in 30 years.

The plans include 81 hotel rooms, a 300-person function room, a bistro, tapas bar and an alfresco dining area.

Richard Hamood revealed the plans to the East Torrens Messenger last week.

Pending one last investigation, he would submit development plans to Campbelltown Council within the next six to eight months.

Mr Hamood said the hotel, adjacent Thorndon Park, was in need of a facelift.

He hoped, once complete, it would attract large functions and interstate and international visitors.

The brothers hoped to bring in an international hotel chain to manage the hotel.

“With 81 rooms, we can attract interest from some of the major hotel chains like Ibis,” Mr Hamood said.

“We think there is a need for it in the area because if you come to Adelaide the only place you really stay is in the CBD or Glenelg and apart from that, there’s no where else that really offers that sort of thing.

“There’s a lot of things this can offer from a tourism point of view.

“There’s an opportunity for people to come and have a food experience.

“There’s also a strong cycling culture with the Tour Down Under and cyclists use a lot of the roads down here.”

Mr Hamood said the new venue would maintain its family friendly feel.

“The aim is to have a nice transition area from our hotel to the park.”

He hoped work would begin late next year and take 12-18 months to complete.

The Hamoods have owned Rezz, formally known as the New Reservoir Hotel, since 1965.

They took over the management in 2009 when the previous lease to Woolworths-owned Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group ended.

Campbelltown Mayor Simon Brewer welcomed the upgrade plans.

“I have long believed a reasonable level of at least four-star standard accommodation in the east would be very beneficial, both economically and for our social infrastructure,” Mr Brewer said.

“Since the Hamood family resumed the management, they’ve shown their commitment to the local community. I’m glad to see plans progressing.”

Source: Adelaide Now - Messenger, Daniela Abbracciavento, 19^th October 2015
Originally published as: Rezz Hotel in Newton planned for demolition to make way for new $14 million hotel and function centre