New Strand Hotel in Swakopmund, Namibia

Strand Hotel construction commences The developers of the new Strand Hotel, O&L Group of Companies announced that a ground breaking ceremony will signal the start of construction of the N$340 million four-star hotel in Swakopmund on Thursday. The new four star Strand Hotel design will see the construction of 135 rooms up from 87 luxury hotel suites announced earlier, three restaurants, three bars, a conference centre, a micro brewery, a deli shop, a beach kiosk and a public spa and fitness centre with a heated swimming pool. The construction of the hotel was delayed due to changes in the design which required its re-submission for approval. Construction of the hotel has been in the pipeline since 2008 and the demolishing of the old hotel. Work on the project was stalled after residents of the coastal town petitioned Council and objected to the colossal size of the first design. According to the residents the design was out of scale and in contrast with the character of the Mole setting. It also blocked access to the sea. Construction of the hotel will now finally begin after a new design was approved. According to reports the new design will no longer accommodate a cellar and changes was made to the design of the parking space. About 1500 jobs are expected to be created during construction with about 150 permanent positions to be created once the hotel becomes operational. The Strand Hotel is owned by the Olhthaver and List group, one of the leading companies in Namibia. The O&L group owns the Mokuti Etosha Lodge and the Midgard Country Estate and have now added the Strand Hotel to the list. The hotel will be officiated by Mr. U. Herunga, the Minister of Environment and Tourism.