Breaking ground at Strand Hotel

Last week, Olthaver & List, owners of the Strand Hotel in Swakopmund, held the ground-breaking ceremony for the project which will cost approximately N$340 million by completion in 2015.

It is expected that the new hotel will open its doors to the public by mid-2015.

Digging in.

At the ceremony, Executive Chairperson of the O&L group, Sven Thieme said “Giving a true sense of place, and encompassing the warmth and authenticity of our people, the Strand Hotel symbolises the aspirations of our nation, our ability to presevere and our right to shine in the international arena.”

The 4 star hotel’s design is based “on a contemporary interpretation of the historic German architecture so prevalent in town”. He explained that the building has been designed to look and feel smaller by dividing it into 3 sections and setting each back form the other enabling the entire sea front area, along the Mole, tobecome individual weather protected terraces all open to the general public as they are invited to enjoy their Mole. The hotel will feature 125 rooms, including a presidential suite. It will house restaurants, bars, kiosks and coffee shops, plus a conference centre, Spa and Wellness area, gym and a ballroom.

An artists impression of the future hotel.

Keynote speaker Uahekua Herunga, the Minister of Environment and Tourism, praised the company for ensuring that a multiple stakeholder consultative process was undertaken, since the former Strand Hotel was demolished in 2008. The design that was unveiled last week received wide spread approval all round.

“You have made sure that all parties in and around Swakopmund are happy and you have taken all players into consideration – from the residents of Swakopmund to the municipality and the regional council and now you have buy-in and approval from all which means that your construction can only go smoothly”.

Lastly, the Minister urged all role players in the tourism industry to work together to ensure that Namibia becomes the tourism destination of choice for the world. “After all, commitment of all players to the same goals within the industry in this country will ensure that the tourism industry flourishes and with it the country, its people and the economy”.

For more information go to www.strandhotelswakopmund.com