Mantra Group breathing new life into Conferencing Venues

Leading Australian accommodation and conference venue provider, Mantra Group, will undertake refurbishment projects totalling around $6 million in the next 12 months, set to result in upgraded meetings and conference product at key properties in Australia.

"We have been working closely with our owners to upgrade conference facilities not only at our larger venues but also at smaller CBD or boutique regional properties," said Mantra Group Director of MICE, Paul Wilson.  The investment reflects a commitment to the conferencing sector as an important part of the business across our hotel network."

Leading the way is a $3.5 million upgrade project at the iconic Southern Highlands property, Peppers Manor House - 137 years old, the heritage retreat is set to be new again in 2015.  Having been granted half a million dollars from the NSW Government's Regional Visitor Economy Fund, the owners have seized the opportunity to commit further funds and undertake an extensive refurbishment program.

The upgrades will include the building of a unique new indoor/outdoor conference and event space to seat up to 200 people with features such as large open stone fireplace, stone fixed bar area, fixed ceiling with heating, lighting and drop down walls, sound system and modern audio visual equipment.

The event space will be two internal rooms that can be combined together or/and opened up to the outside undercover space.  A concertina soundproof wall will separate the internal walls, a folding glass wall will separate the outside from the inside in both spaces. The outdoor space will be weatherproof, heated and open to the gardens and on completion it will be the newest event space in regional New South Wales.

Works also include upgrades to all guest facilities including a new casual dining venue, reception area, lounge areas, pool and tennis courts, roads and car parks.

The new space is complemented by another four venues on the estate including 'The Stables' - a unique 20 person intimate venue, as the name suggests converted from the former working stables of the manor house in its prime.

Neighbouring Southern Highlands property, Peppers Craigieburn in Bowral has also recently completed a half million dollar upgrade which includes a new restaurant, Hickory's Restaurant & Bar, with a semi private dining area ideal for small groups. Plus a new multi-purpose bar, Minters 1910, can also be used as a meeting or function room.

The new venues are in addition to six other conference and meeting spaces with capacity for up to 200 people.

A $1 million upgrade at Mantra Lorne - a premier regional conferencing facility in regional Victoria - will take place throughout 2015.  Significant upgrades to the resort's conferencing space, break out areas and extensive foyer will complement updated conference equipment and facilities. There are seven superb conference spaces at Mantra Lorne with capacity for up to 600 delegates.  Commanding the only beachfront location in the picturesque seaside town, the resort is the destination of choice for many high profile financial, sporting and car companies.

On the Gold Coast, popular conferencing resort Mantra Legends will complete a half million dollar refurbishment in March to its conference and meeting space and lobby entrance.

The 400 person capacity ballroom; two meeting rooms (capacity to 45 people) and Boardroom will be revamped with new décor, AV and lighting and furniture, ensuring a revived modern look to one of the most popular conferencing and function venues on the Gold Coast.

One of the newest hotels to join the Mantra network, Mantra on Edward in Brisbane CBD has unveiled its brand new meeting space, The Observatory Room. A brand new purpose built, pillarless Boardroom, with natural light, adjacent to the Swimming Pool deck overlooking Brisbane city, The Observatory Room is a fresh and stylish venue for Day Meetings, Training Sessions and Residential Conferences, catering for up to 30 delegates Theatre Style and 20 Board Room style.

Mantra on Edward was converted from a former residential tower in late 2014 following a $3million refurbishment to a full serviced apartment.