The $90 million re-development of the iconic Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva is on budget and within the time line for completion next year.

Fiji National Provident Fund Chief Investment Officer Jaoji Koroi said the hotel is expected to open in the first quarter of next year.

He said according to the plan, the original structure of the GPH will be retained and two new wings will be added.

He said it will have a total of 113 rooms with five-star standard, which includes 10 executive rooms in the historic building and will include a 600 seat state of the art conference facilities, the largest within a hotel in Suva.

He added that it will offer complementary and modern facilities such as business centres and high standard eateries and restaurants expected to attract national and international events and conferences.

Koroi said currently, 130 local staff has been employed for the construction phase and they are expected to top out for direct and indirect local employment of around 400 people.

The project is being carried out in a partnership between the FNPF which holds 25% of the shares, 50% is owned by Papua New Guinea National Superannuation Fund while Lamana Development Limited of PNG owns 25% shares.

Koroi also said that Momi's first contract rehabilitation has started and is expected to be open in 2015 while Natadola hotel is performing well.

Story by: Tokasa Rainima