IT HAS been a long time coming, but excited executives of Mirvac Hotels & Resorts say they are now in a position “to push Citigate Mount Panorama over the line”.
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That was how Mirvac director of operations Greg Sear summed up his announcement that the latest of the company’s portfolio of 47 managed hotels would open in Bathurst in the first two weeks of September.
Mr Sear and Mirvac’s NSW regional general manager Simon Brown last week hosted a luncheon in Bathurst to confirm the opening date.
But Mr Sear and Mr Brown said the occasion at Cobblestone Lane was equally important to connect with the authorities, agencies and businesses leaders of Bathurst, as well as the wider community..
“Mirvac needs to meet local businesspeople because we are keen to become a big part of the community,” Mr Sear said.
“Citigate Mount Panorama joins Mirvac’s 47 managed hotels and resorts across Australia.
“Citigate Mount Panorama will be big for Bathurst, generating lots of interest in one of the best regional NSW hotels and hospitality industry products.”
Mr Sear and Mr Brown wanted to meet as many local people as possible because they said it would require a lot of community involvement for Mirvac to launch and promote Citigate Mount Panorama.
The hotel is one of five managed hotels under Citigate branding. It would offer employment opportunities for between 80-90 staff, with more people being recruited for the big Bathurst 1000 race day, Mr Sear said.
“Mirvac employs 3000 people in 47 hotels with 700 rooms across Australia,” he said.
“Our regional manager Simon Brown will be keeping an eye on Bathurst.”
Mr Sear said he and Mr Brown were initially talking to people who could assist them enhance what Mirvac has done in providing good training for potential employees.
“We have lots of young people moving within our Mirvac group,” he said.
“But we are talking to locals who might work for us in restaurant, food and beverage areas, knowing there are lots of good young kids learning about the hospitality industry.”
Mr Sear said Mirvac had good service strategies, being big on all aspects of hospitality industry training as well as occupational health and safety.
These were areas where Mirvac would hold discussions with Charles Sturt University and Bathurst Regional Council.
Mr Sear and Mr Brown both expected Mirvac to become increasingly involved leading up to the opening of Mount Panorama Citigate in time for the 2009 Bathurst 1000.
The hotel, less than two kilometres from the centre of Bathurst, will offer an unparalleled position on Conrod Straight overlooking the famous Mount Panorama racing track.
With a capacity for 450 guests, it was of such a quality it offered 133 guest room choices of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, many rooms offering an ensuite with spa bath and furnished balcony.
The guest facilities included 24-hour room service, a contemporary restaurant and fully licensed bar and grill, plus pool, gymnasium and tennis court.
Situated on the seventh level of the hotel was a unique conference and entertainment facility offering three function rooms catering for up to 450 guests, with spectacular views of the Mount Panorama racing circuit.
Mr Sear said Mount Panorama Citigate had already received enquiries about the use of conference facilities. There were also young couples asking about the the venue for wedding receptions.
