Fijian Teachers Association breaks ground on a new five-storey Suva development worth $26 million
The Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) has officially broken ground on a new five-storey commercial building in Suva, a milestone attended by acting Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, and SMEs, Manoa Kamikamica, alongside FTA president Netani Druavesi.
In his remarks, Kamikamica called the project a forward-thinking investment. He said that by 2027, the building is envisioned to transform into a bustling hub offering offices, retail spaces, and a roof garden for formal functions, serving as a testament to the association’s foresight, resilience, and commitment to empowering educators.
The FTA has opened expressions of interest to businesses, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders for affordable office and retail space leasing within the upcoming development. The $26 million complex is expected to be completed and fully operational by 2027, marking a significant expansion of the association’s footprint in Suva.
Context and background
This project aligns with earlier reports of a substantial FTA building initiative in Suva, initially pegged at about $23 million and described as an extension of the FTA’s headquarters. Local engineer and architect Ulaiasi Baivatu was engaged to prepare the initial ground plans, with property valuation expert Keni Dakuidreketi contracted to provide a valuation. Banks have traditionally shown interest in financing the construction, with mentions of BSP, HFC, Merchant Bank, Westpac, and potentially the Bank of Baroda as likely participants in funding this expansion.
What to watch
As planning and construction proceed, updates on the final valuation, financing arrangements, and progress toward the 2027 completion date will be key indicators of how quickly the project moves from groundbreaking to a fully operational mixed-use facility.
Summary
The FTA’s ground-breaking ceremony for a $26 million, five-storey building in Suva signals a major upgrade to the association’s presence and a new hub for educators, businesses, and NGOs. With expressions of interest open for leasing and a timeline targeting 2027 completion, the project continues to attract political support and potential financing from major banks, building momentum for a landmark development in the capital.
Positive note
This development has the potential to stimulate local jobs and modernize the resources available to educators and partner organizations, while also enhancing Suva’s urban landscape with a versatile, multi-use facility.
Comments
– The inclusion of a roof garden for formal functions reflects a trend toward multi-use, community-friendly spaces that can host events and meetings.
– Ongoing transparency about valuations and financing will be important to ensure the project remains on schedule and within budget.
– If the leasing program succeeds, the building could become a focal point for educational and NGO activities in Suva, reinforcing collaboration between government, the teaching profession, and the broader community.
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