The proposed $107 million Cedar Mill Hunter Valley will bring 68,045 additional visitors and inject an additional $33 million each year into the Hunter Region according to the REMPLAN economic modelling for the project.

Cedar Mill Hunter Valley includes a tourist and vineyard hub including a splash pad and adventure playground in stage one, a 22,000-seat amphitheatre in stage two and 100 bed hotel, hatted restaurant and working winery in stage three.

Cedar Mill General Manager, Kyle Mckendry says says the aim is to provide an unparalleled visitor experience in the heart of the region, offering a gateway for tourists to connect with everything that makes the Hunter Valley a world-class visitor destination and event hub.

“We are finalising our plans for all three stages of the $107 million development, and they will be ready to submit later this year,” Kyle said.

“We have bought stages two and three forward to deliver that visitor experience sooner, which we are very happy to be able to do. This will provide a much-needed boost to the region post pandemic.”

Winarch Capital CEO, Paul Lambess says once Cedar Mill Hunter Valley opens its doors it will create hundreds of new jobs and bolster the local economy and the events and tourism sectors.

“Our plans for Cedar Mill Hunter Valley are ambitious, we want to create a precinct with great places where visitors can do lots of different activities and experiences,” Paul said.

“This is why people come to the Hunter and we want our venue to complement the great vineyards, restaurants and experiences that already exist here.

“During construction, there will be direct jobs 215 direct jobs created during construction as well as an additional 285 indirect jobs through supply chain and support workers. This will have a flow on effect to the local economy which over a 20-year period is expected to be $141 million.

“We want to become part of the community both during construction and ongoing operations by providing jobs and opportunities for local people.”

Key statistics

• 500 jobs created during construction – 215 direct, 285 indirect
• $207.5 million impact during construction including cost of build, job creation, supply chain and
• consumption
• 382 ongoing jobs created during ongoing operations – 273 direct jobs, 109 indirect jobs
• 68,045 additional visitors to the Hunter Region
• $33 million per annum in tourism related expenditure and an addition 235 indirect tourism related jobs
• $141,054,007 20-year benefit.

IMAGE | Renders of Cedar Mill Hunter Valley.