Behind the scenes at the new Boardwalk hotel

Ever wondered what was going on behind those construction walls at the Boardwalk every time you drive by on the way for a surf. Well, wonder no more. Millerslocal managed to wangle her way onto a site visit with the Weekend Post peeps earlier this week to suss out what was going on behind the scenes. We gotto keep tabs on what's happening on our turf, right?!

To start with, there one moerse big hole back there. They're going 3 stories deep, to fit in plenty underground parking. I asked about whether they had any water issues down there cos of the proximity to the beach, but turns out the water getting in there is actually fresh water...which they're having to pump out 24/7. 

It'll be used to fill the lake and for irrigation etc. Can't they use it for drinking purposes seeing as it's fresh? Well, turns out that the water table flows from Forest Hill area...right under the cemetery - so yah, unless we keen on drinking granny and grandpa...we'll pass on that one! They are running some tests to establish how kosher it is, but until they get the all-clear it'll just be coming out the hose, not the tap.

I was stoked to find out it'll only be going up 3 stories, not like City Lodge Alcatraz down the way. Happy to report that the architecture is in keeping with the whole Boardwalk style, so looks pretty nice. We even got to traipse round a full size mock-up of one of the suites. You could jol with you and about 15 of your mates in that thing. Nice 40 inch plasma for entertainment, bar etc.

The first phase, which is the new smoking (cough, cough, cough) casino will be ready this December. The hotel and conference centre will be done by Dec next year. Big-ass conference centre too. Which is cool cos hopefully means we'll get some more shows and stuff. Can seat 2400 peeps cinema style, or about 1400 seated for a gala dinner or for show. The hotel is just going to be 130 rooms, with a nice gym, spa and indoor pool. 

So all in all, Millerslocal gives it a thumbs up cos it's going to have a low visual impact and is in keeping with the PE beachfront's feel. So props to Sun International for not going all nasty big is better, like the muppets at Humewood.