The long-awaited redevelopment of the old Sheraton Hotel in Vaimaanga is running 12 months behind schedule, but developer Chris Vaile remains hopeful that key aspects of the project – such as the completion of the tennis courts and the 850-square-metre swimming pool – will be finished this year.

Speaking on a Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) podcast, Vaile reflected on the history of the project, its setbacks and his vision for the future.

He acknowledged that while progress has been made, several challenges have delayed the redevelopment.

“This project (was) based on doing it and completing it within a 10-year period. We’ve been working on it for three and a bit years, (and) it has not gone as planned as far as some areas are concerned,” Vaile told the podcast to commemorate the country’s 60^th anniversary later this year.

One of the major issues he highlighted was the air conditioning system, which had been “badly designed as far as the concept that was being put in”.

To address the problem, Vaile brought in Cook Islands expertise from New Zealand to ensure it functions correctly.

“Equally, there are other areas which we have got to address which we are working on,” he added.

Despite the setbacks, Vaile remains optimistic.

“We hope we have finished the tennis courts, we’re working on the pool, which is an 850-square-metre pool, (and) we have the furniture for those,” he said.

He also confirmed that approximately 40 rooms are nearing completion, with furniture already in place.

The Sheraton site has long been a symbol of unrealised potential in Rarotonga, with multiple failed attempts at completion and lingering rumours about a supposed curse on the site.

Vaile, who has been involved in shipping and construction, recalled how materials for the original development were transported from Europe via Tahiti, including nearly a thousand tons of cement – despite cheaper alternatives being available in New Zealand.

Looking back on the original project, Vaile noted that while significant money was poured into it, the structural integrity of the hotel was always in question.

“It was a façade, but the substance was not there,” he said. He explained that while much of the hotel appeared complete – including furniture, drapes and marble rooms – the foundation was flawed.

“It would’ve been probably cheaper to take a bulldozer and knock the segments down and start from scratch because there would’ve been less work involved.”

Despite the challenges, Vaile is committed to transforming the site into a functional and appealing resort.

His vision includes multiple swimming pools, a tennis court, restaurants, apartments for purchase, guest accommodations and private beach access.

With November as the target for the first stage of completion, Vaile is eager to ensure the redeveloped hotel reflects a true island experience.

“We have to have the island flavour decoration that will come because my daughter says people don’t come here to look at old antique furniture. They come here to stay on the island and have an island flavour,” he said.

While the project has seen its share of setbacks, Vaile remains determined to bring the development to life.

With ongoing work on key features such as the swimming pool and tennis courts, he hopes the long-awaited transformation of the Sheraton site will soon become a reality.