Following a flurry of construction at the South Otago hub’s business district northern entrance, resulting in the new $25million Clutha District War Memorial & Community Centre Te Pou Ō Mata-Au and a new Woolworths supermarket, Clutha Licensing Trust has broken ground on its new "gastro-pub".
Trust general manager Ross Balloch said the trust was excited to see the pace of construction from key contractor Calder Group, and speculated the new hostelry could be open as early as April.
"This is a key project for the trust on behalf of the wider Clutha community we serve, so we’re delighted to see it moving along at pace, and very happy with the work Calder Group is carrying out.
"On a [sunny] day like today, you can see just what a great venue this is going to be, located at this central hub of new buildings and activity for the town."
Mr Balloch said the design and budget remained on track, in line with earlier announcements.
Original replacement plans detailed a 340sqm, single-storey venue for 120 patrons inside and 100 out, costing $3m.
The new, scaled-down venue would be 260sqm, remain single-storey, and still cater for about 120 inside, while hosting 60-80 customers outside.
The trust has not revealed a final cost for the revised design, which will be open-plan, offering indoor and outdoor dining options, a bar, a dedicated gaming room and entertainment spaces.
It will replace the former Hotel South Otago, called the "Southy".
The hotel, built in 1959, was demolished two years ago, after the cost of earthquake strengthening was found to be uneconomical.
Mr Balloch said an announcement regarding naming the new venue would be made later this spring.
