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A five-storey, four and a half star hotel development has been proposed at properties on Flinders Parade. Owners of The Anchorage for 19 years, Philips Land Co, revealed a major new $40 million hotel development on their Flinders Parade properties at a special presentation to business and council leaders on Monday, July 1. The development application was lodged at the City of Victor Harbor on Thursday, June 27. CEO Greg Phillips said after nearly three years of planning and business modelling, International Hotel Operator Wyndham Group has been awarded the Hotel Management Contract. "Wyndham is the largest hotel operator in the world, operating 9000 hotels in 80 countries, as well as a global loyalty rewards program for their guests which has 59 million members. Wyndham regard Victor Harbor as a destination hub for Fleurieu tourism operators," Mr Phillips said. Under the proposal, The Anchorage heritage building is to receive a $2.5 million restoration and a new 126 room Hotel is proposed on floors one to four, with the existing pine tree retained. The Anchorage is a State Heritage Listed building and the upgrade will be undertaken through heritage guidelines. The Hotel will include a 400 seat function centre on the fifth floor and five penthouse apartments. To offset any parking concerns for the development, included in the project is a $5 million investment in a council owned car park at McKinlay Street. A 266 space multi level car park is proposed by the developer on council land, of which, 89 spaces would be dedicated to the Hotel. Mr Phillips said it was intended that council own and operate the car park. Also proposed is an elevated footbridge over the SteamRanger precinct to connect the car park to the Hotel. "The whole project does not work without the car parking, so we are proposing to build a car park on council land for nothing, so 89 car parks can be leased back to the Hotel," Mr Phillips said. "Council will receive approximately 100 more car parking spaces than they currently have at the McKinlay Street car park for public use. "We believe this development will be a game changer for the region and along with recent government funding for key local projects, this major private investment showcasing Victor Harbor to the international travel community will go a long way to underwriting future growth in jobs and the economy of the town and the Fleurieu region." City of Victor Harbor Mayor Moira Jenkins has had a catchphrase "Victor Harbor is open for business" after state government funding for the Causeway ($20 million), Mainstreet Precinct upgrade ($1 million), Crozier Road/Torrens Street roundabout ($1 million) and an overtaking lane on Victor Harbor/Adelaide Road and now the Anchorage development application further supports her claim. "While this development still needs to go through the planning approval process, it sends a clear message that we are open for business," Dr Jenkins said. "People have been asking about how to address the empty shops in Ocean Street and the lack of jobs on the South Coast. Investment such as this provides significant opportunity for a wide range of jobs both during and after the build. These jobs address youth unemployment and include traineeships, apprenticeships and long term employment that is not just seasonally based. That can only be a good thing for our youth and families in Victor Harbor." "Furthermore, the flow on jobs and opportunities for the small business and entrepreneurs in our city will result in more cafes, restaurants and tourism opportunities as a result of increased tourist numbers." Business Victor Harbor chair Nick Gormley said the development was a game changer, not just for Victor, but for the South Coast. "To have a 40 million dollar invest by a world renowned brand shows how much potential we have. It will have flow on benefits to all businesses in Victor Harbor and open up markets that are currently not visiting us," Mr Gormley said. A formal development application has been lodged and the community will have opportunity to comment. Mr Phillips said economic modelling indicated the development will create 217 local and regional jobs during construction and 112 local and regional jobs during the operational phase. "A spin off of $12.4 million per annum into the regional economy is estimated". "This is especially good news for local young employees seeking a career in tourism and hospitality with a global firm." "The Wyndham group has the ability to reach into markets we can only dream of and with experiences such as McLaren Vale, the South Coast, Coorong, whale watching and Kangaroo Island, Victor Harbor will be the destination where visitors will stay and spend. They will stay not just for one day, but between three to 10 night," Mr Phillips said.

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