State-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is targeting to open its casino in the iconic Army Navy Club (ANC) complex in Manila by the yearend.

The Philippine Star reported that Oceanville Hotel and Spa Corp. is now in the process of restoring and developing the ANC – which was leased by the Manila City Hall – into a world-class heritage boutique-style hotel.

Oceanville, meanwhile, has subleased 6,500 square meters of the lot behind the ANC to PAGCOR. The state regulator, for its part, awarded Vanderwood Management Corp. with a 15-year contract for the lease of casino space behind the Army Navy Club after a long and tedious 14-month bidding process

Its developer says the facility will have five-star accommodations, upscale dining, as well as wellness and fitness centers. Its casino neighbor in the ANC site will be an entirely separate operation of another firm and fenced off.