By Katalina Siasau

A new building complex, including a conference centre, restaurant and 23 luxury villas with 58 rooms, is to be constructed on the royal estate "Polata’ane", and expected to be completed this year, for accommodation of “VVIPs” (Very Very Important People).

The project was announced by the Tonga Development Bank this morning. The planned buildiing complex will include luxury villas to be constructed under a "Langa Fonua" Project at Polata'ane, located on Vuna Road, Nuku'alofa (the site of the former Consular House).

The TDB FB page stated that the project was to start soon and expected to be completed in June this year.

The concept design includes three main buildings, (A.) Conference Centre, (B.) Reception, and (C.) Restaurant.

Surrounding the main structures will be seventeen luxury VVIP Villas with 2 bedrooms each, and six luxury VVIP Villas with 4 bedrooms each.

There will be about 58 rooms in the complex, as well as a swimming pool, and a bar.

TDB noted the loss of accommodation and widespread damage to accommodation infrastructure in Tonga following the Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha'apai volcanic eruption and tsunami in January 2022.

“This project will help with the accommodation needs of the country, host international meetings, and major ceremonies,” stated TDB.

“It will be a major contribution to the economy of Tonga."