Exclusive by James Wilkinson

Perth-based Karma Resorts has started construction on its highly anticipated Karma Margaret River property, which includes conferencing facilities in an aircraft hanger, after receiving regulatory approvals.

Artist’s impression: Karma Margaret River

“I finally have approvals for Margaret River,” Karma Resorts chairman John Spence exclusively told SpiceNews. “We’re going ahead with the project, albeit on a modest level compared to a couple of years ago.

Spence said the Margaret River Resort, the group’s first in Australia, is due for completion in 2011 and would feature 30, 3-key villas for sale, which will then be returned to the resort’s letting pool. From that, around 50 rooms are expected to be available for hotel use.

Key features of the property include a central restaurant located over a lake, a nine hectare vineyard and nine aircraft hangers located next to the landing strip, which runs adjacent to the property.

Spence said some of the hangers will be converted – one as a day spa and another as a conference facility – while the others will be leased for artists as a work space or their original purpose, to house aircraft.

“I’m hoping this will help revolutionise Western Australia as a tourist destination,” Spence said, noting the adjacent landing strip will help to avoid the three-hour drive from Perth.

Alongside the Margaret River development, there are more grand plans for the group in WA. Spence said he is hoping to build another property in Western Australia after the Margaret River resort is completed.