New Strand Hotel is being built on the same spot in Swakopmund where the old hotel stood for many years. The establishment of the hotel was not an easy feat, as the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group of Companies' Leisure Hotels and Lodges division faced an uphill battle from Swakopmund community members, who wanted to preserve the old German style of architecture which features so prominently in the coastal town of Swakopmund.
It was only after a few redesigns, additions and several meetings between Ohlthaver & List and Swakopmund residents that the final plans were accepted by the town council.
Located at Swakopmund Mole, Strand offers a view over the Atlantic Ocean and other tourism sites: the Jetty (opened in 1905), Swakopmund main town beach and the Swakopmund Lighthouse (erected to present height in 1910).
The hotel is also in walking distance from Swakopmund town centre and most tourist attractions, Promenade and Swakopmund Aquarium. Addressing construction workers, contractors, management and members of the media at the site, Sven Thieme, O&L executive chairman, said it is a dream come true for him.
"As we know, O&L has a purpose in creating a future for and enhancing the lives of all Namibians," he said.
The completion of the structure was celebrated with lunch for everyone involved in the project. Construction started at the beginning of 2014, and Johan Brink, director of Stefanutti Stocks building business unit who was tasked with building the structure, confirmed that it is now complete. Finishing touches to the hotel should take six to eight months.
Once completed, it will provide employment for at least 250 Swakopmunders. Strand Hotel will consist of 126 rooms, three restaurants, a small brewery and a number of other facilities to be expected at a four star hotel.
It was only after a few redesigns, additions and several meetings between Ohlthaver & List and Swakopmund residents that the final plans were accepted by the town council.
Located at Swakopmund Mole, Strand offers a view over the Atlantic Ocean and other tourism sites: the Jetty (opened in 1905), Swakopmund main town beach and the Swakopmund Lighthouse (erected to present height in 1910).
The hotel is also in walking distance from Swakopmund town centre and most tourist attractions, Promenade and Swakopmund Aquarium. Addressing construction workers, contractors, management and members of the media at the site, Sven Thieme, O&L executive chairman, said it is a dream come true for him.
"As we know, O&L has a purpose in creating a future for and enhancing the lives of all Namibians," he said.
The completion of the structure was celebrated with lunch for everyone involved in the project. Construction started at the beginning of 2014, and Johan Brink, director of Stefanutti Stocks building business unit who was tasked with building the structure, confirmed that it is now complete. Finishing touches to the hotel should take six to eight months.
Once completed, it will provide employment for at least 250 Swakopmunders. Strand Hotel will consist of 126 rooms, three restaurants, a small brewery and a number of other facilities to be expected at a four star hotel.
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