Major hotel chain eyes Blenheim site

At least one major hotel chain is eyeing up Blenheim for a new hotel, following confirmation the council will build a conference centre on the Taylor River.

CDL's Millennium Hotels divisional director Scott Wallace says the company regards Blenheim as "a site of good potential" for either the company's four-star Copthorne or three-star King's Gate hotel brands.

The Marlborough District Council is planning to put together registration of interest packages for examination by several hotel chains.

Previously, Accor and Scenic Circle Hotels Council have expressed an interest in Blenheim .

CDL has been looking at Blenheim as a possible site for the past three to four years, but had been unable to find an ideal location, Mr Wallace says.

Shares in CDL, the country's largest hotel chain, last traded at 55c, against a year high of 67c.

CDL has a portfolio of 30 hotels in New Zealand which are owned, leased, franchised or managed under the Millennium, Copthorne and Kingsgate brands.

- nzpa