By ROSI DOVIVERATA
CP Group of New Zealand, through its subsidiary Pandey Investments (Fiji) Limited announced yesterday plans to build one of the largest conference and wedding facilities in the country.
A 500 car park facility will also be erected at the Novotel Suva Hotel Development Land. This will be adjacent to the current Novotel Hotel and Convention Centre.
The Novotel group operated property is 100 per cent owned by the CP Group subsidiary, which also owns 50 per cent of Novotel Hotel Nadi and 50 per cent of Mercure Hotel Nadi.
Other large hotel assets include Sofitel Auckland (formerly the Westin Hotel Auckland) and Pullman Hotel Auckland (formerly Hyatt Auckland) as part of over 30 hotel property portfolio in NZ, Australia, USA, Fiji, Singapore and Malaysia.
Since 2010, Pandey Investments (Fiji) Limited invested a substantial amount refurbishing the Novotel Suva Hotel and Convention Facilities.
Details of refurbishment
A statement by the CP Group said the proposed new modern facility will cater for up to 2,000 seats and will be built on a separate 51 acres development land.
The facility will be managed as part of the current Novotel Suva Hotel and Convention Facilities.
This is subject to all the necessary approvals required in Fiji and final tender costs.
After five years of operations, refurbishment and understanding the market in Suva, the CP Group believes the time is right to build another product.
“Given the high demand for this type of facility in Suva, this project will also potentially create up to another 20 jobs after construction ends,” the statement said.
Commencing plans
Plans are for initial construction to start in August-September 2013, allowing for a 4 month planning period and site preliminary works to be completed. Construction of the facility is expected to be completed after 15 months.
Once completed, this will be the premier destination for hotel and conference facilities away from the hustle and bustle of Suva City, the statement said.