A luxury hotel for the Port Arthur massacre site
With the two decade anniversary of the Port Arthur massacre fast approaching, the Federal Group has unveiled a $25 million plan for a new luxury resort overlooking the World Heritage-listed historic site.
The hotel will feature a restaurant, bar and spa treatment facility.
It will also have capacity for up to 40 guests.
People staying there can relax in an on-site vegetable garden. The food for the property’s dining room will come from an off-site farm.
Staying there is expected to cost $1000 a night.
Construction is expected to begin in 2018 on the site which right now is occupied by a motor inn.
Federal Group boss Greg Farrell says the new hotel at Port Arthur will have a lot going for it.
He says it will build on the success of the group’s other high end hotel, the Saffire on the East Coast.
"Saffire has been a tremendous commercial success ... we believe the timing is right for another quality product of a similar ilk to be developed," Mr Farrell told the ABC.
"Intrusion is minimal from the historic site whilst at the same time ensuring our guests experience will be unparalleled with stunning views from all 20 suites.”
Tasmania's Tourism Industry Council's Luke Martin told the ABC that the location of the hotel, near the Three Capes Track and historic Port Arthur site would make it unique.
"In a small destination like the Tasman Peninsula, there's no other place in Australia that offers that kind of product to the market," Mr Martin said.
Port Arthur has won tourism awards and attracts a lot of Chinese tourists.
There are hopes that it will be a significant tourist drawcard for the state’s southeast Tasman Peninsula.
After the 1996 massacre in which 35 people were killed and 23 injured, the place took a massive hit and took years to recover.
A commemorative service will be held at Port Arthur to mark the 20-year anniversary on April 28.
by Leon Gettler, April 18th 2016
