Victoria’s iconic Mount Hotham snowfields will be opened up for wider year-round use, with a $26 million development launched today.
The new development, called Davenport Central, will be undertaken by Mider, a Melbourne based development group owned by Mr. Anton Wilson in a joint venture with Davenport Central Pty Ltd representing Asgaard Ski Club Inc.
The project will replace and dramatically expand the 42 year old Asgaard Ski Lodge, built by a group of University of Melbourne students.
With the 40 bed building in need of repair, lodge members decided 8 years ago to replace it with an extended, commercialized development, set to broaden the mountain’s appeal.
“This is the biggest development on the mountain in 20 years,” Davenport Central Director Ron Mason said.
“It will change the face of the mountain, consistent with the Mt Hotham Board of Management master plan,” Davenport Central Director Peter Malone said.
The 6 level structure will feature 80 undercover car parks as well as restaurants, bars and retail outlets all with sweeping Alpine views, as well as accommodation for mountain staff, tourists and lodge members.
A feature of the development will be four dedicated all-access apartments which will cater for disabled visitors, who are a key target in expanding the visitor market, through winter and summer.
“We are determined to provide the best access for special needs groups to allow them to utilize the High Country in both white and green seasons,” Mr. Wilson from Mider said.
Four penthouses will add a luxury accommodation option along with 6 two bedroom apartments.
The project has a 75 year Crown lease , as well as the highest bushfire rating BAL40.
Around 80 jobs will be created during the construction phase. “This will add a great deal of momentum for builders in the state’s north east region” Mr Wilson explained.
Work begins in October and will be done in between snow-seasons, with completion in May 2020.
