Premier Hotels & Resorts has announced the development of a new 600-seat banquet facility adjacent to Premier Hotel The Richards, marking a significant expansion of conferencing and events infrastructure in Richards Bay.
The new banquet centre will form part of the broader hospitality complex that includes Premier Splendid Inn Bayshore, creating a strengthened hospitality and event hub within the area.
Construction of the new facility will officially commence on 19 March 2026, with earthworks beginning on the open land located next to the hotel’s existing bay-facing rooms. The project will take an estimated construction period of seven months. Completion is anticipated in the first week of November 2026.
The development forms part of the continued enhancement of the Premier Hotels & Resorts footprint and its commitment to expanding high-quality event infrastructure across key economic nodes in South Africa.
Supporting Growth in the Richards Bay Business & Events Market
Once completed, the new facility will significantly increase the conferencing capacity within the complex, positioning the property as one of the largest and most versatile banquet and events venues in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
The Richards Bay region continues to serve as an important economic hub supporting mining, logistics, energy, and industrial sectors, creating sustained demand for professional conferencing infrastructure and accommodation.
Construction and Guest Experience
Construction works will be carried out separately from the main hotel, ensuring minimal disruption to guests staying within the complex. Noise levels will be carefully managed and restricted to between 09:00 and 16:00 daily.
All construction areas will be clearly demarcated and closed off to the public, with the necessary health, safety, and operational protocols implemented throughout the duration of the project. Relevant insurance providers have also been formally notified of the planned construction activities.
Expanding Premier’s Regional Event Capacity
The addition of the new banquet facility will strengthen the combined offering of Premier Hotel The Richards and Premier Splendid Inn Bayshore, enabling the complex to accommodate larger events, multi-day corporate events, and regional gatherings that require integrated accommodation and event infrastructure.
The new facility is expected to further position the Richards Bay complex as a key meetings, incentives and events (MICE) destination for northern KwaZulu-Natal.
Further updates on the progress of the development will be shared as construction advances.
