Novotel New Plymouth Hobson Hotel

On Friday December 18, New Plymouth’s modern new Novotel Hobson Hotel officially opened. A flash, contemporary style hotel featuring a sleek, glass curtain wall design, Southern Hospitality is excited to have made our mark on this new Novotel hotel.
Southern Hospitality was responsible for the fitout of the hotel kitchen and Governors Eatery + Bar.

Photo credit: Glenn Jeffrey

Equipment:
The kitchen was fitted out with large pieces of high quality commercial equipment.
• Alto-Shaam 20.10 Combi Oven and Waldorf modular oven grills for cooking
• Tonon shelving, as well as a variety of Project Stainless and Simply Stainless shelving and benches with transforming options
• Starline Dishwashers and Glasswashers
• Scotsman ice maker machine
• Modern Britannia extraction canopies

Challenges:
Of course, due to the size of the project, the fitout came with its own set of challenges. All of the equipment required had to be lifted over a pass to access the building, and deliveries to the site were restricted. Roads into the site were not yet formed, and so the crew created a makeshift road from plywood and stacked pallets. Time restraints were strict, space was limited, other trades were working nearby – but a hardworking crew and strong project management brought the project together in the end.

Takeaways:
• Project Design International was invaluable in complementing the hotel architect’s own plans
• Don’t be pressured to rush into installs - working around other trades and working out ideal start times can improve everyone’s efficiency
• Tackle one big job at a time to maximise knowledge and talent available for each job
• Take some time to experiment with ideal stainless steel transformer layouts and sizes

All in all, the Novotel Hobson Hotel job was a largely challenging and rewarding one – there were a number of issues to resolve, leading to a handful of valuable learning experiences. Thanks to the knowledge and dedication of Andy Rayneau, Tony Anderson and the whole crew involved, the beautiful Novotel Hobson Hotel has a completed modern Southern Hospitality-fitted kitchen.