Plans to redevelop the old Raiwaqa market site into a multi-storey market and retail complex could begin before the end of the year.
Suva City Council CEO Tevita Boseiwaqa said the redevelopment would be carried out in partnership with private developers, and that a tender process is being carried out.
“Right now, it’s just a flat building as there’s only one level,” he said.
“But the concept is to turn it into something like what you see in many Asian cities — a shopping complex where the market operates as part of the building.
“We’re finalising the tender now. Hopefully, by September or October, we’ll confirm everything, but the project should begin this year.”
The new concept design could feature a double- or triple-storey structure that would cater for market vendors and small retailers.
“The concept plan is like in most Asian cities, when you go to a shopping mall, you have a market where they sell this, sell that.
“So, we’re looking at something like that.”
Mr Boseiwaqa said the council was open to various partnership models depending on the proposal by the successful bidder.
“It depends on the partnership arrangement as some of the construction costs will be funded by the developer.
“We’ve given them the concept; now they will come up with the cost.”