Voco Auckland City Centre is scheduled to open in mid-2021, and will be located at the corner of Albert and Wyndham Street on the former site of the New Zealand Herald and just metres from the Central Rail Link currently under construction.
The hotel will feature 200 rooms, an all-day restaurant and bar, and a fitness centre.
The hotel had originally been announced in 2017 as being marketed under Intercontinental Hotel Group’s Even Hotels brand, but the group said that “following IHG’s launch of Voco in 2018 it became clear that the new brand would not only resonate with the colourful, unstuffy and laid-back Kiwi spirit, but also that its ‘tread light’ philosophy made it a perfect fit with [owner] Pro-invest’s culture of environmental governance, which includes a commitment to targeting high energy efficiency ratings across its portfolio”.
The property will form part of a dual-branded development, sharing the building with the 294-room Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre. The two hotels will have separate entrances, but will share facilities.
Once open, voco Auckland City Centre will be the brand’s sixth in Australasia.
All voco brand hallmarks will be present in the newbuild development, including a major presence and focus on recycling. Beds will be constructed using recycled plastic bottles, locally-sourced food and paperless reception services. Room facilities will also include water-efficient showers with refillable large bathroom amenities, energy-saving lighting and user-friendly technology. Guests will also be able to make use of an all-day restaurant, bar and fitness centre.
IHG Managing Director – Australasia and Japan, Leanne Harwood, said she was delighted the momentum of the voco brand had helped Pro-invest to decide to establish the brand in New Zealand.
“It’s wonderful to continue this journey with Pro-invest as they bring our sixth voco to Australasia in the very heart of the Auckland CBD. voco celebrates the individuality of the hotel, stunning location and local people, with each stay tailored to deliver a unique and memorable experience to guests from New Zealand and all around the world.”
Previously announced as opening this year, the hotel branding modification has seen the property commit instead to begin welcoming guests from 2021.
The Voco brand launched in 2018, with the first property opening on Australia’s Gold Coast. It has since expanded to include properties in destinations including Dubai, Solihull, Cardiff, Oxford and Reading, with forthcoming hotels including the 4,200-room Voco Makkah, Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
