Newspaper Article 1994 – $3m project planned at Stortford

$3m project planned at Stortford

The historic Stortford Lodge hotel in Hastings will be demolished to make way for a $3-million development of a new tavern and shops.

Hastings firm Mackersey Construction today announced it had struck a deal with owners New Zealand Liquor, part of the DB Group, to develop the prime commercial area during the next two years. The only part of the site not to be touched will be the Robbie Burns liquor store.

Mackersey’s managing director David Mackersey said the development was likely to include a neighbourhood tavern, retail shops, fast food outlet and a bank.

Two Hawke’s Bay groups have already expressed interest in the tavern. The hotel will not be demolished for at least a year. The first stage of development will be the retail shops.

Mr Mackersay [Mackersey] said Stortford Lodge was a strong commercial area that was still growing. Its position had been strengthened by the decision to site the regional hospital in Hastings.

Hastings mayor Jeremy Dwyer said Mackersey’s proposal was well thought out and another sign of “some very good commercial momentum”.

Mr Dwyer said he hoped the council might be able to reach an agreement with Mackersey that would see roading and parking improvements in the Maraekakaho Rd – Heretaunga St area. He would instruct officers to hold talks with the firm.

The Stortford Lodge hotel was originally built in Maraekakaho Rd near Gordon Rd in 1884 by William Stock. He named it after his birth place in England. About 15 years later the hotel was moved to its present site. Being on a main stock route it became popular with drovers and stockmen.

The hotel passed into public ownership in 1988 when it was sold by Byron Buchanan in a multi- million dollar deal.

Photo caption – The Stortford Lodge Hotel.