The Morris Hedstrom site in Labasa, which has remained unused and served as a parking lot for several years, is on the verge of a significant redevelopment. The Labasa Town Council has officially approved plans for a new shopping mall, marking an important change in the area’s commercial environment.
The previous Morris Hedstrom building was a thriving retail center that was destroyed by fire 15 years ago, leaving the site abandoned since then, with only remnants of the structure to remind locals of its past.
Residents and local business owners have long awaited the redevelopment of this prime location. Samu Ligairi, the special administrator for the Labasa Town Council, announced that the plans for the new shopping mall have received approval.
“This is why you see the area now being cordoned off,” Ligairi explained.
He also mentioned that the multimillion-dollar project is being undertaken by Carpenters, the parent company of Morris Hedstrom.
“We are excited to see this important site being developed into a modern shopping complex,” Ligairi stated, adding that the project is anticipated to create numerous job opportunities and stimulate the local economy.
Construction is expected to start soon, with preliminary work already in progress.