By James Wilkinson

A new 165-room Hilton Wellington and adjacent 2500-capacity convention is a step closer to a reality, with the City Council set to put the project out for public feedback in July and August.

The NZD$100 million project being proposed by developer Mark Dunajtschik opposite Te Papa Museum across from the city’s waterfront has an expected opening date of 2017 and two major partners already.

Alongside Hilton managing the 5-star hotel, Wellington City Council has agreed to a 20-year lease of the convention centre space, a venue that’s expected to deliver a NZD$30 million economic benefit to the city.

It is the second time a Hilton has been proposed to be built in Wellington, with the previous waterfront location subject to public opposition.

Speaking exclusively to Spice about the project, a Hilton spokesperson said growing in New Zealand was a key aim of the company.

“As you know, Hilton Worldwide has a long standing interest in furthering our footprint in New Zealand,” the spokesperson said.

“We believe strongly in the potential of Wellington as a meetings and events destination, and we would be happy to be involved in the hotel and convention centre in the city.”

According to The Dominion Post, a spokesperson for Dunajtschik said “arrangements with the Council and Hilton were continuing”.

The project will be out for public feedback from July 8 to August 8.