A multimillion-dollar renovation will soon begin at Cromwell's Golden Gate Lodge in hopes of attracting more people into the town.
General manager Glen Christiansen said more than $3 million was being invested in the plans which involve a revamped restaurant and bar, an "information hub'' and "village green''.
The 30-year-old lodge has 100 guest beds and a conference centre and is sited beside State Highway 8.
Its bar will close next Saturday and be converted into a Five Stags, a lodge-themed bar and restaurant chain.
"We want it to feel welcoming, and to get away from that '80s booze hall. There will be a huge upgrade to the kitchen.
"We'll also look to expand our craft beer range.''
A "technology hub'' would be created, he said.
The information centre would have touch screens and tablets which can be used for searching for and booking activities.
Jesse Sutherland, a graduate architect with Origin Consultants Ltd, said the grass area facing Barry Ave will have a private street removed and be turned into a "village green''.
It would have play areas, integrated seating and power outlets for bands and community events, she said.
"We want to open it up to all sections of the public.''
The highway frontage would be "modernised'', she said.
The red roof would be painted a dark charcoal colour, dormers would be replaced with skylights and more signs installed.
A new "fresh and lively'' cafe would be built, able to hold 130 people inside and out.
Former Cromwell College pupils Mrs Sutherland and project manager Lauren McKay are at the helm and local businesses are being used for construction.
Mr Christiansen said the plans were a reaction to increased tourism in the country and Central Otago.
"We want people to indicate left into Cromwell. A lot of people are just driving past.''
There were bigger plans for the future, depending on the market, including increasing accommodation, he said.
Cromwell Business Network "musterer'' Greg Wilkinson said the revamp showed the owners had faith in the future of the town.
"It's in part a reaction to the growth of the town and Central Otago as a whole.
"Also, I think they're keeping up with trends. They are long-term businessmen who own that lodge and they are seasoned in hospitality.''
This followed a trend of local businesses seeking to bring fresh ideas into the area, he said.
Construction will begin in two weeks and is expected to be completed in time for Christmas.
During this time food and drinks will be sold in another part of the building.
