The Lautoka City Council has made a pivotal announcement regarding a public-private partnership intended to develop a prominent piece of city land, necessitating the rezoning of a protected park space. This initiative is aimed at transforming a section of Tavewa Avenue, specifically through a collaborative effort with Challenge Engineering Pte Ltd to develop Lots 4 and 5 on ND 3747, which currently houses Coronation Park.
Coronation Park, strategically situated near Tappoo City and Churchill Park, is slated for a new multi-use development. The concept, as designed by Maisuria Designs Pte Ltd, includes plans for a three-storey building that will feature commercial tenancy spaces and hotel accommodations on the first and second floors, while the ground floor will house a hotel reception.
This project is to be implemented under a “Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer” (BOOT) model, allowing the partnership to create a sustainably maintained space. However, as the current zoning of the land is classified as ‘Civic Zone’ and used for “Open Space — Park,” the Council faces the task of rewriting the city’s zoning laws to proceed.
In a proactive stance to engage community sentiment, the Council has organized a stakeholder consultation meeting to promote transparency and gather public input. This meeting is endorsed by Taitusi Rasoki Kata, Chairperson for the Board of Special Administrators, who expressed the Council’s commitment to facilitating community discussions regarding the project.
The consultation is scheduled for Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 10:00 am in the Lautoka City Council Chambers. This approach mirrors the Council’s ongoing commitment to maintaining an open dialogue with residents, similar to recent actions regarding the revitalization of other areas such as Shirley Park and Churchill Park Stadium.
The past initiatives indicate a broader trend within the Lautoka City Council to enhance public spaces and improve facilities that cater to the community’s needs, promoting recreational opportunities and economic development. As the city explores these new developments, there is a hopeful outlook for more vibrant urban spaces that benefit both local residents and the economy.