A new development project by the Challenge Group of Companies will see the historical Cathay Hotel site in Lautoka transformed into a state-of-the-art mixed use retail and hospitality with an 80-room four-star hotel.
This was revealed by the company’s managing director Suresh Patel yesterday who added that the development – known as Challenge City – was in response to the high demand in quality hotel accommodation and retail spaces in Lautoka and the reality that there had been no significant hospitality development in Fiji’s second largest city in decades.
In a statement Mr Patel said the Challenge Group had committed to ensure that this development had environmental sustainability as one of its core pillars.
According to Mr Patel the development will have approximately 4000 sq.m of photovoltaic cells that will assist in providing power to the development.
He added that combined with efficient building services that would be managed by a smart central building management system would make Challenge City Lautoka one of the most sustainable mixed use retail developments in Fiji.
Although the total investment has not been revealed yet, the new 80 room hotel with views to the surrounding city and seafront, would have significant conferencing and events centre focus with meeting rooms and a state of the art 300-person capacity function centre that overlooks Churchill Park.
The company revealed that discussions were already in progress with major Fijian retailers for interest in leasing spaces in this development and a further expression of interest would be advertised in the local papers in due course for other opportunities with local retailers and restaurateurs.
“The Challenge Group is committed to several landmark hospitality and retail mixed use projects in Fiji which include an 80 room hotel and retail development in Namaka, Nadi and a boutique 120 room resort/apartment development with retail and a new marina on Denarau Rd Nadi.
“Grantham Road in Suva will also see a new urban hub formed with retail, entertainment, apartments and a new hotel. The company is also looking at developing 100 room hotel and retail complex at Legalega, opposite Nadi International Airport and commercial/office complex on Ratu Dovi Rd next to Laqere Market. We are committed to Fiji’s growth and these landmark developments are the testament to this,” said Mr Patel.
Meanwhile he said the new development would be a first in the West and in Fiji in many respects and would give consumers a world class shopping experience.
Challenge City Lautoka is designed by award winning architects tropicX design studio who have benchmarked the development against successful retail developments in the region.
According to the company the new development will boast one of Fiji’s largest undercover car parks with close to 200 car spaces, branded stores specialist bakery and liquor outlet, large food court and restaurant precinct and large area of world class retail experience for its customers.
Mr Patel said it took more than two years to acquire the necessary development consents and the first phase of the construction had already commenced on site.
The development is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2025.
