A new artist’s impression of the Casino and Convention Centre which will be built near the entrance of Denarau Island but not on the island. The property has been secured from the Sofield family. Image: ONE HUNDRED SANDS LIMITED
Developers speak on progress, explain change
By RACHNA LAL and JYOTI PRATIBHA
The new site for the delayed and much-awaited casino project has been identified.
The site is less than one kilometre before Denarau Island in Nadi and has been the family property of Nadi-based architect, Adrian Sofield.
Mr Sofield confirmed a memorandum of understanding has been signed with the casino developers, One Hundred Sands Limited, for the sale of the property.
He said the land has already got approval for tourism development from the Town and Country Planning committee. This is for the convention centre and the casino.
The new site is on about 20 acres of land of which, about three acres is freehold land while the rest is crown lease.
Mr Sofield said the land is 318 metres from the main road which provides access to Denarau Island.
Claunch responds finally
The chairman of One Hundred Sands Limited, Larry Claunch yesterday confirmed details to the Fiji Sun.
He said the Casino and Convention Centre will be built near the entrance of Denarau.
The initial site for the casino was on Denarau Island.
The initial site for the casino was on Denarau Island next to Wyndham Vacation Resort. This would have practically been the last lot after all the other resorts on the island.
Mr Claunch informed the Fiji Sun from USA that the reason for the change in site is because of their focus on future of the casino and the need for visibility.
“The site we have chosen is the best site as we would be seen by everybody who enters Denarau,” he said.
Mr Claunch revealed the overall budget for the project remains $290 million.
Construction and completion
The casino construction was supposed to have started last year with opening expected by October this year.
Mr Claunch said he was happy to announce that the works are now underway to construct Fiji’s first casino.
He said clearing works was to have started on the site yesterday.
“The Casino and Convention Centre will take 12 to 15 months for completion after which we will start with the construction of the 300-room resort,” Mr Claunch said.
“While there have been unexpected road blocks thrown in our way in the past, we prefer to look to the future with great excitement.”
Investment from abroad
One Hundred Sands Limited has secured financial investment from places such as the USA, Singapore, New Zealand and Europe.
Mr Claunch said their addition to the already substantial investment has demonstrated the confidence the world financial market has in the direction and future of Fiji.
“Fiji has a solid economic base and a progressive government and it is this environment which has attracted financial investments from around the world,” he said.
Details of the casino
Mr Claunch said the casino would be a modern masterpiece based on all the latest casino technology from around the world.
“In addition to the Casino, a-state-of-the-art Convention Centre and Performing Arts centre will be built,” he said.
“The Convention Centre will be able to seat over 1500 people and provide the largest space in Fiji for business conventions and trade shows.”
Mr Claunch believes this Casino Resort and Convention Centre will bring an added dimension to the already thriving tourism sector.
“With this venue, we will also be able to attract entertainers from around the world,” he said.
“Fiji is a fantastic location for companies to hold conventions which will bring in a whole new tourist market. Up to now, these large groups had to be turned away.”
Government role praised
Mr Claunch has praised the Fijian Government for their role in the casino project which will be a first for Fiji.
“Many ministries and departments have been involved in the decision making process at the outset,” he said.
“The exhaustive selection process saw One Hundred Sands being granted the Fiji Casino license.”
He acknowledged their support to create the structural and strategic platform for the development.
“Putting all this together to achieve the best possible outcome has been an extraordinarily complex process,” he said.
“It has required patience and new thinking, and that has been possible only with the contribution and support of all those involved, at all levels.”
Socio-economic benefits
Mr Claunch praised Government’s vision to establish a community fund and to administer the very substantial contribution that the casino will make.
He said this will be done through a percentage of its profits and will benefit the socio-economic development of Fiji and all Fijians.
“This will carry on throughout the term of the license therefore benefiting current and future generations,” he said.
Mr Claunch will be in the country over the next few weeks.