The honour of naming ILT’s new hotel will be given to someone in the community. Invercargill Licensing Trust (ILT) chief executive Chris Ramsay said public input was being sought with all sectors of the community invited to contribute their ideas.

“We’ve always said we’re building more than just a hotel. This is an asset for both locals and travellers. Yes, there will be hotel rooms but also many other features like a bar, café, laneway bar and a restaurant for our community to enjoy,” he said.

See also: Invercargill Licensing Trust's new CBD hotel proposal

“It feels right to seek input from the community itself as to what the hotel should be called and I’m looking forward to seeing the creativity which ensues."

“This is your chance to proudly say ‘I named our new hotel’. Now that’s a story to tell your grandkids one day.”

Entries had to adhere to the consent conditions whereby the hotel name must pay homage to the heritage of the site on the corner of Don and Dee streets, reflecting its history.

“I’m sure that won’t curb people’s imagination,” Ramsay said.

Not only will the winner have exclusive bragging rights, they will receive a night’s accommodation, dinner, a bottle of wine and breakfast at the Ascot Park Hotel. Then, to admire their handiwork, at the grand opening of the new hotel the winner will enjoy a VIP experience for two, including dinner, drinks and accommodation.

Click here to view the Invercargill Licensing Trust website with further information.

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