A new concept in short-stay accommodation is aimed to ease a room shortage in Christchurch and bring an estimated 48 new jobs to the region.
The new tourism venture from local vehicle rental company Jucy will add another 282 beds and introduce“micro-accommodation” to the New Zealand market.
Chief executive Tim Alpe says there is a lack of low-cost accommodation in the area immediately around the airport and reduced tourist numbers to the city.
He says tourists will soon be able to stay for short periods between international flights or overnight.
“This type of accommodation is available overseas but there is nothing similar in New Zealand. Globally pod hotels have become increasingly popular and we wanted to bring the concept to this market.
“Having seen an opportunity for a low-cost, short-stay venue in Christchurch, we have added our own Kiwi design elements to introduce a unique style of accommodation to the region – we’re calling the new class of hostel “Jucy Snooze.
“Our primary target market is youth backpackers. However, with global trends changing the nature of this market, we have designed the room layouts to suit low-cost travellers, families and even retired couples,” Mr Alpe says.
Guests will be able to “self check in” using a new type of technology and pay only for the time they stay.
That means tourists who just want a few hours’ sleep between connecting flights will not have to pay for a full day, Mr Alpe says.
“In particular there will be more emphasis on social sharing of communal spaces. The rooms won’t have television sets in them and visitors will be encouraged to come together in general use lounges. We will provide hot desks for casual web browsing, and give visitors a reason to come out of their rooms to socialise,” he says.
Jucy Snooze will be located within walking distance of Christchurch Airport and in close proximity to the new Spitfire Square retail shopping precinct now under development. More than 30 employees are expected to be employed in the construction of the building as well as a further 18 permanent staff tasked with its general operation.
Mr Alpe says the building is made from an innovative modular construction system, which will allow the company to manufacture some of it at its Auckland factory, and ship it to the site.
It is expected to open in early 2016.
NBR NZ Property Investor
Mon, 22 Dec 2014
Mon, 22 Dec 2014
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Pod stay concept aimed to ease room shortage in Christchurch
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