Why Did Suva’s Historic Aquarium Shut Its Doors?

In the 1980s, an aquarium that once thrived in the heart of Suva faced a challenging fate due to insufficient visitor numbers. A report by The Fiji Times published on November 15, 1984, indicated that the aquarium was set to close at the end of that month, with only the Anchor Inn sidewalk remaining in the revamped Old Town Hall.

Fiji Bio-Marine Ltd., which had managed the Town Hall since 1980, had made arrangements with the Suva City Council to sub-lease the premises. John Hill, a director of the company, explained that the aquarium’s closure was attributed to its lack of profitability, emphasizing the need for a higher influx of tourists to sustain such attractions.

The sprawling building encompassed over 20,000 square feet and was divided into six distinct sections, including the Crystal Palace suite on the first floor, the Anchor Inn cafe, the Blue Heron shop, the main aquarium hall, and the basement stage area. Suva’s Lord Mayor, Cr. Navin Maharaj, mentioned that the council had granted the company unrestricted use of the building as long as it adhered to town planning and zoning regulations.

As plans for the future of the premises emerged, Mr. Hill stated that the Crystal Palace would be transformed into executive suites, while the former aquarium space was envisioned as a mini-market or health and fitness center, subdivided into office spaces. The basement was identified as a suitable storeroom.

The company aimed to find a new operator for the Anchor Inn cafe, and December 1 marked a significant closing down sale where various surplus items, including live fish, tanks, corals, fishing gear, and antique furnishings, were sold. Some of the aquarium’s more exotic inhabitants, such as sharks and turtles, were generously given to friends.

This piece of history serves as a reminder of the importance of tourism in sustaining local attractions, and it paves the way for new opportunities for the revitalized Old Town Hall. As Suva continues to grow and evolve, there is hope for the emergence of new ventures that can engage the community and visitors alike.