By Bob Kernohan

Weather and a delay in the delivery of high-tech lifts to serve the 18-floor luxury Radisson Hotel in Port Elizabeth have forced the opening of the new beachfront landmark to early next year.

However, all other aspects of the R320-million project are on schedule, including the signing this week of developers Auspex Property‘s first retail tenant in 50-year-old Ritters Jewellers, which itself is undergoing changes. Meanwhile, the Radisson has also appointed a dedicated general manager, Guido Bayley.

Announcing the first retail detail, Auspex marketing and public relations manager Michelle Campbell said extremely high winds over the last few months meant the special high-rise cranes on the site had not been able to work at full efficiency levels.

“There has also been a delay in the delivery and installation of the lifts, so our original plan of opening the Radisson in stages towards the end of this year has changed and it has now been decided that we should have a single grand opening in March,” said Campbell “Otherwise, all other phases are right on schedule.”

General manager Bayley said the signing of Ritters Jewellers as the first retail tenant had made the hotel‘s management “extremely proud” as it backed Radisson‘s own prestige brand.

“It is the first of a variety of top class retail outlets and facilities for hotel guests and locals to enjoy.” said Bayley.

Hungarian-born and German-raised Josef Ritter, who came to South Africa in 1956 and started the store as a jewellery workshop in Port Elizabeth in 1958, has sold the business to David van Niekerk.

“To coincide with celebrating 50 years of service, Ritters will be opening its second outlet inside the new Radisson Hotel,” Van Niekerk said.

Ritter would still be active in the business in all designing, manufacturing, and quality aspects. “Being a five-star hotel, The Radisson will attract top calibre guests and we will be there to supply this market,” said Van Niekerk.

The retail announcement was the first made by newly appointed Bayley, a 36-year-old German who has 16 years of experience in the hotel industry and has worked for the international Radisson SAS group for the past 12 years.

One of his first tasks will be to appoint his management team and to recruit staff.

“The appointed staff will then go through a series of intense practical and service culture training, including a ‘100% guest satisfaction‘ workshop,” Bayley said.

The hotel will feature 173 rooms and suites, a 120-seater Italian-style restaurant, a cocktail bar, spa, and gym.

Source: Weekend Post