Broome resort upgrade on track

The first stage of an $11 million refurbishment was recently completed at Broome’s Cable Beach Club Resort.

CBC’s owners, Hawaiian Management, spent $5 million on the first stage of what could be a five-year refurbishment.

Hawaiian CEO Russell Gibbs said the resort team had made a compelling argument last year to update the existing facilities.

“In doing so, we can further differentiate the property as the only full-service resort in Broome,” he said.

Hawaiian general manager of property development, Stuart Duplock, said Hawaiian was delighted with the results the project team had achieved in a short space of time through thorough planning and strict project management.

He said planned further stages of refurbishment were dependent on positive results from the first stage.

“Future refurbishment will be contingent upon the property delivering adequate returns as a result of this year’s investment, however we are confident that CBC and Broome will continue to grow in stature as the gateway to the Kimberley,” Mr Duplock said.

Builder Rapley Wilkinson was appointed to undertake the refurbishments during the off-peak season, although the resort was operational for all but the month of February.

The builders worked seven days a week for three months in order to meet the time requirements.

Resort architects James Christou & Partners worked with Melbourne interior designer Sue Carr to remodel 85 of the 176 studio rooms, maintaining the resort’s Asian influence throughout.

Both of the resort’s swimming areas were refurbished and two new eating facilities were introduced, including the remodeled Sunset Bar and Café, featuring a pizzeria pavilion and deck. Also featured in the refurbishment is a seven tonne handcrafted crystal Buddha that sits 5.5 metres off the ground within a gazebo in the ‘Buddha’s sanctuary’.

CBC general manager Jon Woodworth said guests and visitors had been impressed with the new look.

“Our unique sanctuary offers a high level of accommodation comfort and the new restaurants add even greater dimension to the resort’s atmosphere,” he said.

CBC is set on 11 hectares of gardens and offers guests accommodation choices that include standard rooms, studios, bungalows, and three suites.

Each bungalow is named for the Australian artist whose works adorns its walls – Sir Sidney Nolan, Elizabeth Durack, and Humphrey Price Jones.