Bridgeport Hotel prepares to open its doors

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Murray Bridge’s new, $45 million hotel is only days away from opening, and general manager Mary-Lou Corcoran is excited.

After 17 months of construction, the development will finally throw open its doors at eight o’clock next Tuesday morning, June 8.

Everywhere in the building, staff are working at full speed: laying flooring, setting out furniture, polishing bars and stocking fridges.

The last Atco huts will go tomorrow, the lines in the car park are coming, and a hose is already filling the infinity pool where guests will be able to watch the sun rise over the River Murray.

Ms Corcoran said she had been getting good vibes from her whole team, more than 150 employees strong.

“When an opportunity comes up in a brand new facility they know is going to be a game-changer, they all want to be a part of it,” she said.

“Still, after the two weeks we’ve spent tidying up and cleaning, cleaning, cleaning, they’ve got smiles on their faces.”

Furniture is being unloaded into the 120-seat Rivergum Restaurant, complete with booths along one wall; couches and chairs are under wraps in a lounge on the Bridge Street corner; and between them glows a bar with a bridge motif.

Outside, workers lay tiles in front of what might just be the Murraylands’ biggest TV.

Upstairs, cleaners tidy guest rooms while trying not to get distracted by the view.

A handful of guests will stay at the hotel on Thursday night ahead of a business breakfast on Friday morning.

The event will serve as the re-launch of Business Murray Bridge, formerly the Murray Bridge Business Alliance.

Immediately after that, buses full of rowers will start arriving for a regatta being held over the weekend.

For the public, though, the big day will be next Tuesday.

The first 100 people through the doors will be given a glass of champagne, among other promotions.

“Come and enjoy,” Ms Corcoran said.

“Come and celebrate.

“Come and stay, come and play.”

• More information: bridgeporthotel.com.au.

Disclosure: The author and his family will receive a night's accommodation at the Bridgeport Hotel and attend the business breakfast in his capacity as a Business Murray Bridge committee member. Transparency is important. Sorry to brag.