Change of plan for Wellington's proposed Hilton hotel

An artist's impression of the convention centre and hotel. Photo / supplied

The location of Wellington's proposed Hilton hotel and conference centre has been shifted from Cable St to near the railway station.

Last month it was announced the Wellington City Council had approved a deal with local developer Mark Dunajtschik, which would see the development of the convention centre and adjacent hotel on Cable St to be operated by the Hilton Corporation.

However, Wellington City Council has announced developers have canned those plans, and now proposed the facility be built on the Interisland Wharf adjacent to Wellington railway station on a site owned by CentrePort.

Mr Dunajtschik said the new site was believed to be a better location and, for a variety of reasons, the Cable St site was no longer considered viable.

The size, shape and nature of the proposed new site would also mean a redesign of the facility.

Wellington City Council chief executive Kevin Lavery said the proposed Interisland Wharf 'package' was much the same as it was for the Cable Street site.

It would include a five-star hotel of 160 rooms, a purpose built conference facility with hosting capacity of up to 1200 delegates, and banqueting capacity for up to 1450 people.

"Mr Dunajtschik assures me the commercial nature of the proposed development is very similar to the agreement approved by councillors in principle in July this year - he would fund the construction of the facility, and the city council would pay an annual lease for the convention centre, which would be managed by Hilton," Mr Lavery said.

Mr Lavery said the council would not be subject to any extra costs than those already negotiated and agreed to.

A report will go to city councillors early next year before the council formally enters into a revised commercial agreement with the developer and Hilton.

Construction is expected to begin in 2016 and completed by the end of 2017, a few months later than the original completion date.