Challenge Group Expanding To Suva

The Challenge Group of Com­panies is taking property de­velopment and management to a whole new level.

With an aim to grow, one of the noticeable tenants at the Chal­lenge Plaza is Grace Roads and its classy food outlets.

Led by Group managing director Suresh Patel, the company is struc­tured around its three primary sub­sidiaries, Challenge Engineering, Automart and Mobile Crane Hire Services Real Estate Investment and Development

Challenge Engineering Limited (CEL) is the commercial and residen­tial property investment arm of Chal­lenge Group.

According to the company website this portfolio extends across Suva, Nadi and Lautoka with Challenge Plaza in Namaka and Laucala Beach Estate at the forefront.

“Our investment and development philosophy is driven by high quality and sustainable projects in prime loca­tions that create very efficient yields and opportunities for our tenants,” the website said.

The company which recently ac­quired the former Vivrass Plaza in Laucala Beach now known as Chal­lenge Plaza has invested a lot on tour­ism properties in the west to this year.

Grace Road is known for its upmarket and efficient service.

One of the new tenants to move in once the supermarket section of the plaza is completed is EXTRA Super­market.

About Extra Supermarket

Kavishay Abhimannu, managing di­rector Extra Supermarket, says their ultimate goal was to provide their customers who they see as partners in their success with an enhanced shopping experience with every new branch we open.

“EXTRA Supermarket’s third in­stalment is scheduled to open early next year in the newly renovated and upgraded Challenge Plaza formerly known as Vivrass Plaza in Laucala Beach whose building upgrade works are currently underway.

“This location in Laucala Beach was chosen as it is ideally located in a densely populated area between Nabua and Valelevu.

“A lot of commuters between Nau­sori and Suva travel on this road. Also, there are major schools and other busi­nesses nearby.

“EXTRA Supermarket is becoming known for its quality, choice, conveni­ence, amenities and competitive pric­ing.

“All of these will also be showcased in our new supermarket at Challenge Plaza, Laucala Beach.

“We are adding a few exciting ele­ments to our new supermarket.

“We are showcasing a new artisan bakery that will offer our customers quality bread products including spe­cialist breads, pastry, cakes and our new range of house-made pies.

“Barista style coffee, fresh sandwich­es, and salads will also be on offer.

“Our hot food offerings are also being updated with the addition of equip­ment that will add versatility to our cooking that will enhance our pies and sandwich offerings.

“Our Deli is also getting an upgrade with a larger product range along with our popular standard offerings.

“Our new Liquor Store will be our biggest yet with a larger selection of imported and local beers and spirits and international wines.

“A walk-in Cool Room is also designed into the Liquor Store for the conveni­ence of our customers where bulk cold drinks will be stored.

Mr Abhimannu said they are invest­ing in technologies when it comes to their base services infrastructure and refrigeration which focuses on the environment and energy efficiency which is in line with our Govern­ment’s Environmental aspirations.

“We are currently looking at a spend of approximately $6 million for this project.

“Our staff are integral to our busi­ness and we value their service. We plan to employ approximately 70 new staff for this new Supermarket.”

Future plans

He said they have been actively searching for a suitable location for a store in Nadi and have zeroed in on a location and talks to finalise the location are at an advanced stage.

“Supermarket Retail is our core busi­ness and our current focus is on en­hancing and expanding the EXTRA Brand.

“Whilst we do not want to lose our focus on our core business, we are al­ways open to opportunities to diversify our business particularly in comple­mentary sectors.

“At Extra, our philosophy has been to offer customers an optimal shopping experience with convenience, choice and value for money and let the cus­tomers choose their shopping destina­tion.

“In our experience, as long as we are able to offer these, customers will continue to choose us and we are incredibly thankful to our custom­ers for choosing to shop with us.

“We trust that they will continue giving us the opportunity to serve them further.”