The State precinct of Albert Park was officially reopened in Suva last night after a $17 million overhaul to its greens and pavilion.
Officiating at the launch, Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama said all that remained were the refurbishment of Thurston Gardens and the State House, which will be opened to the public upon completion.
Known as “the green heart of the capital”, the revamp of the newly branded Albert Park Pavilion and Grounds is the latest in a series of historic State properties over the past few years, such as the nearby Grand Pacific Hotel.
“This new pavilion finally gives us a structure worthy of this historic and wonderful place, a building that is in keeping with its surroundings and also provides us with the ability to accommodate 1000 people under cover and in comfort,” Mr Bainimarama noted.
The grandstand has been moved across the park from its original site and now faces the Parliament buildings.
“We have also upgraded the notoriously difficult surface of the park itself, fixed its drainage problems and covered it with the latest turf. It is now up to international standards.”
The project was a collaboration between the Local Government Ministry, Suva City Council and project managers, architects, engineers and turf specialists from Yanjian Group (Fiji).