The Hunter Region is set to become an even more enticing corporate destination with the Crowne Plaza to develop the Hunter Valley's first conference centre.
The development has received significant Government support with the Federal Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism granting $250,000 to the project.
Alongside the conference centre development will come an upgrade to the existing exhibition space at the hotel, installation of a new large-scale commercial kitchen and establishment of a permanent marquee on the grounds.
These works are a commitment from owners the Schwartz Family Company, who purchased the hotel in 2012, also signing on to extend the contact of IHG to continue to manage operations.
Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley will also become the centre of operations for the Schwartz Family's Sydney Brewing Company, with a 300 square metre brewery, micro distillery and cellar door due to be established as part of the hotel's main complex. Within the next two years a larger, purpose-built craft brewery and distillery will be established on 41 hectares of newly-acquired adjacent land.
Bill Edwards, Head of Operations, IHG Australasia said the team was eagerly anticipating the upgrade of the hotel.
“The Hunter Valley region is focusing on increasing its share of corporate, meetings and leisure business; so the timing couldn't be better to undertake this sort of upgrade to Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley,” Bill said.
“The team are looking forward to the new and improved hotel facilities that guests will be able to enjoy.”
All upgrades are due to be completed by the end of 2014.