Local investment creates new jobs

A wealth of recent investment in local tourism projects, including the re-launched Hydro Majestic Hotel, will boost the economy of the Blue Mountains and create local jobs. BMEE is proud to support many of these initiatives by providing economic modelling and investment impact data.

The organisation has the ability to provide reports to assist businesses understand the economic and demographic environment of the Blue Mountains and report on the economic impact of proposed initiatives. BMEE has also developed a range of industry profiles and an online economic profile on its website.

Hydro Majestic and Parklands

The Escarpment Group, owner of Lilianfels Resort & Spa and Echoes Boutique Hotel & Restaurant, recently acquired Parklands Country Gardens & Lodges in Blackhealth, and of course, has been working for several years to refurbish and relaunch the Hydro Majestic Hotel in Medlow Bath. The Hotel is being launched in stages from now until December.

The Hydro Majestic refurbishment cost more than $35 Million, in addition to the $11 million purchase price. The owners have also engaged and collaborated with TAFE Western Sydney to develop Hotel Management Institute (HMI), a division of WSI TAFE. The Institute provides world-class training and hands-on industry experience at this iconic Hotel.

Escarpment Group now has more than 200 employees across the four properties, and are committed supporters of employment in the region.

Katoomba Brewing Company

Katoomba Brewing Company is the latest venture from the owners of The Carrington Hotel. Due to open in mid-2015, this new initiative represents a $2.5 million investment, and will create 25 new local jobs.

It will be located next to Carrington Cellar on Parke St, in the old power station, and will also feature a new restaurant. The development will be the first time the old power station has been used since the 1950s. Originally built in 1913, the station used to power the whole upper mountains.

The brewery is capable of brewing three batches of beer per day, with 2000 litres each batch, and the whole operation will be powered via The Carrington’s co-generation plant. Underneath the brewery will be a 10,000 litre rainwater storage tank.

Scenic World’s $30 million upgrade

The 2013 launch of Scenic World’s new $30million Scenic Railway represents the largest tourist attraction investment ever made in the Blue Mountains. That initiative is part of the $60 million invested since 2000, in line with the organisation’s 20 year capital works program.

Scenic World is Australia’s most-visited privately owned tourist attraction, bringing nearly one million visitors to the Blue Mountains each year and employing 135 people, all of whom were thrilled to be part of the once-in-a-generation redevelopment project.

The redevelopment was the Scenic Railway’s fifth incarnation. The train, originally built in 1878 to service mining in the valley, was acquired in 1945 by Harry Hammon, who turned it into a tourist attraction.

The new Swiss-designed carriages are in keeping with the character and history of the Scenic Railway, including the infamous 52 degree incline, which can now be accommodated to visitor preference through seats that adjust in both directions.