A POPULAR landmark in Swakopmund, Namibia, namely the Strand Hotel situated on the main beachfront, will be completely rebuilt. The md of Namib Sun Hotels, Tim Parkhouse, said the planned redevelopment of the hotel is intended to increase the number of rooms, modernise the design and orientation (every room will have a sea view) and create an attractive landmark. The hotel will be upgraded to a four-star establishment compared with the present two-stars and will employ 140 permanent staff members as opposed to 70 at present. According to Parkhouse, the idea is to construct an entirely new hotel directly west of the present one. After the new building has been completed, the present hotel operation will be moved over and the old hotel will be demolished. (Hennie Fourie)