Amalgamated Holdings Ltd (AHL) is set to convert Rydges Albury to an Atura Hotel.
“We’re looking forward to delivering the real point of difference at Atura Hotels,” said David Seargeant, Group Managing Director of AHL.
“The focus is on delivering design, personality and great value with travelers increasingly seeking value driven experiences to take them out of the everyday – a specialty of Atura Hotels.”
Renowned QT Hotels and Resorts designer, Nic Graham, is leading the refurbishment project’s design, scheduled to commence in mid-August 2014.
Ceilings throughout the ground floor will be lifted and pipework exposed to lend a strong industrial edge to the interior. Removal of the conference room that opens onto the pool courtyard will create an urban and welcoming open-plan vibe on the ground floor.
The traditional hotel ‘front desk’ will make way for a modern, ply-wood clad reception pod and the public spaces will be filled with a modern mix of bespoke designer furnishings and fittings to engage and delight visitors to the property.
“There are a lot of quality touches you wouldn’t usually expect to find and Atura Albury will be a real departure from any other hotel offering in the region,” said Seargeant.
“With connection and engagement with the local community fundamental to the Atura offering, we’re looking forward to seeing the response to the finished product from Albury locals as well as hotel and conference guests.”
The Albury property will continue to be owned and managed by AHL and led locally by new General Manager Jodi Brown. Jodi has an extensive background in the hotel industry after first joining Rydges in 2009.
More used to big city living, Jodi is thriving in the Albury environment. “In Albury we have all the conveniences of big city living, with all the benefits of a country town. The people are so friendly and welcoming and I love that long commutes are a thing of the past,” Brown said.
Brown’s first priorities as General Manager include overseeing the day-to-day hotel operation throughout the 4-month long refurbishment, ensuring minimal disruption to hotel and conference guests.
“We are one of the region’s most popular wedding and event destinations and whilst we’re excited about the coming changes, our operational focus will be on minimising the impact of the renovation project on the guest experience.
“To do this, the hotel operations and renovation teams are working closely together to schedule works around the weddings and special events already confirmed.
“Last year Rydges Albury won Best Wedding Venue for North Eastern Victoria so we’re mindful of maintaining our reputation during the refurbishment project.
“We are also conscious that the planned changes to Atura Albury will only add to the property’s appeal as a wedding and special events venue,” Brown said.
