Ratu Sukuna Park in Suva is scheduled to open by the end of this month. Local Government Minister Maciu Nalumisa provided an update during a parliamentary session, highlighting the project’s aim to enhance the park’s landscape, improve event hosting capabilities, increase foot traffic, upgrade lighting, and incorporate modern park furniture for additional seating. The park will also feature smart technology, including charging ports and Wi-Fi.
Nalumisa emphasized that the redevelopment would not only improve the park’s functionality and aesthetics but also maintain its historical and cultural significance. The project is being self-funded by the Suva City Council (SCC), which initially set a budget of $13 million.
However, following a change in the project’s scope in 2020, the budget was reduced to $7 million, and plans for a two-level cafeteria were scrapped. Instead, $500,000 was allocated solely for landscaping. The park was closed by the SCC in late 2021 to facilitate demolition and rehabilitation efforts.
A consultant originally engaged by the SCC designed the initial master plan, but a new consultant took over in early 2023. The construction of the podium commenced in June 2023, with civil works following a tender evaluation by the SCC.
Nalumisa noted that the updated rehabilitation master plan would create a modern, smart park in Suva that includes facilities for people with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity in urban development.