Apia Waterfront Development Project on the move
(PRESS SECRETARIART); The New Zealand Aid Programme has committed funding to develop in front of the main Government Building into an events space, and create an attractive pedestrian walkway from the Clock Tower to the waterfront edge.
Meanwhile Huizhou Municipality from China is also developing a concept design for a public park at Eleele Fou behind the Government Building in accordance with the Waterfront Plan.
It’s the latest developments to the Apia Waterfront Development Project with stakeholders for the Project recently participated in a workshop to review the Draft Urban Design Standards (UDS).
In the launching the Apia Waterfront Plan launched last year Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi called on stakeholders to be open minded.
Said Prime Minister Tuilaepa,
“We ask you to open your minds with the possibilities that can transform our existing city into an enjoyable and functional place that is well thought out and designed.
“More technical assessment and detailed designs will need to be undertaken before any of these ideas take place.
“These illustrations allow us to visualize how we can raise the standard of our city and entertain different ideas for the four waterfront areas.”
“The waterfront plan provides a packaged implementation approach to develop the capital works. This approach will allow potential investors and development partners to implement a defined package of works within a particular area.
“The Government has already received interest from some of our development partners to develop parts of the waterfront in accordance with our principles and concept designs provided in the plan.
“With the launching of the plan, I anticipate more interest and we will continue to work with all our stakeholders in implementing this plan and to create a waterfront that is attractive safe and unique giving all who visit Apia memorable experiences.”
The Plan is for the Apia Waterfront Project, a joint initiative by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (through the Planning and Urban Management Agency) and the Samoa Tourism Authority on the development of the Apia waterfront area, and currently working together with various Government Ministries and Corporations.
The area covered by this project is from Mulinuu Peninsula to the Apia town area and Vaiala and Taumeasina. The Vision for the Plan is to create an inclusive, safe and clean waterfront that reflects a unique Samoan experience.
It must also connect people to the sea, enhance the area for community use and support opportunities for local business initiatives. There are four waterfront areas in the plan: Mulinuu Waterfront – from Mulinuu to the Malaefatu Play Space at Sogi; Apia Waterfront Central – from the Savalalo market to the Mulivai Bridge; Apia Waterfront Harbour – Beach road towards the Matautu wharf; Vaiala Waterfront – from the Palolo Deep Reserve to Taumeasina.
The Waterfront Plan will guide growth and development of the waterfront area over the next ten or so years in line with the following vision: “The Apia Waterfront is an attractive destination connecting people to unique places and Samoan experiences”. There will be a strong focus on creating an inclusive, safe and clean waterfront for locals and visitors alike to enjoy. Improving the Apia Waterfront will also help to showcase Apia as one of the leading sustainable tourism destinations in the Pacific region: opening Samoa up for investment and creating more jobs and business opportunities for locals.
For further information or for any feedback for the Apia Waterfront Development Project, visit: Website www. apiawaterfront.ws and Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/apiawaterfrontdevelopmentproject
Or Email apiawaterfront@mnre.gov.ws.
