Panaji: The tourism department has approached the Goa Investment Promotion Board (IPB) to seek in-principle approval for the completion and vertical expansion of the existing convention centre and hotel complex at Patto Plaza. The department has asked the IPB to declare the 13,231sqm plot as an investment promotion area, a request that the board is still deliberating on.The tourism department said the that construction of the proposed convention centre could not be completed due to administrative constraints. “The IPB has to decide whether the investment area tag can be given to a govt-backed project,” said an official.Golden Peace Hotel & Resorts Pvt Ltd, the private investor selected to operate the convention centre alongside the Rua de Ourem creek, was picked to complete the facility, said the tourism department. The convention centre, which was supposed to be operational in Dec 2022, was delayed as Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) ran out of funds to complete the convention centre, which includes a five-star resort. However, the construction activity has still not resumed.The proposal envisages the development of convention, hospitality and allied facilities within the existing partially completed structure to enhance the utilisation, viability and functionality of the project site.The proposed development comprises a convention centre and hotel complex having a total built-up area of approximately 27,537.5 sqm.The project, taken up under the Swadesh Darshan scheme – coastal circuit II, was to be developed for Rs 89.8 crore, out of which the Centre was to pay Rs 41.9 crore, and the balance amount of Rs 47.9 crore was to be provided by state govt.
