Concept designs and site plans for the proposed Forsyth Barr Stadium hotel, marked ‘‘commercial in confidence’’, were presented to Dunedin city councillors during a closed-door workshop last month.
The briefing also appeared to show the stadium missed out on bids to host heavy metal bands AC/DC and Metallica and an All Blacks test.
It was one of several sensitive documents and emails Cr Benedict Ong shared with the ODT on Tuesday, in relation to a code of conduct complaint against him.
The complaint was laid by council chief executive Sandy Graham last month after Cr Ong identified Auckland-based Russell Property Group as a potential developer for a hotel project.
A slideshow presented to councillors at a confidential Dunedin Venues’ workshop on April 15 said integrating the hotel into stadium infrastructure would improve the effectiveness of both facilities.
‘‘For a city like Dunedin, with its strong student population, sporting events, and distinctive character, the lifestyle format is arguably a stronger strategic fit than a traditional star-rated hotel,’’ the slideshow said.
The presentation indicated the hotel could have private investors or a private operator.
A feasibility study was due to be completed last month.
The proposed site plans were dated February this year and recorded the client as Russell Property Group.
The leaked presentation also referred to case studies of the stadium’s commercial model, including missed opportunities to host AC/DC, Metallica, an All Blacks tests against Ireland or Italy and a Black Ferns test.
It appeared an AC/DC concert would have a targeted net revenue of $10million, with ticket sales of $7.6m. The Metallica example included reference to a $750,000 cash payment and offering a ‘‘free venue’’.
On April 21, after Cr Ong identified Russell Property Group’s involvement, departing Dunedin Venues chief executive Paul Doorn said Dunedin City Holdings Ltd and Dunedin Venues, a subsidiary, had been exploring ways to make the stadium and its precinct more attractive for hirers.
Russell Property Group was asked to explore whether a new hotel could help - ‘‘developed and operated by a third-party hospitality group within the stadium precinct’’ and with Dunedin Venues providing the site and principal events, Mr Doorn said.
The ODT has previously reported the stadium hotel project is potentially worth tens of millions of dollars.
A proposal was floated in 2021 for development of an internationally branded hotel, multistorey carpark, expanded stadium front entrance, a sports bar and commercial office space.
