In the 1980s, an aquarium located in the heart of Suva, the capital of Fiji, faced significant challenges leading to its closure. According to a report by The Fiji Times published on November 15, 1984, plans were announced to shut down the aquarium after struggling for traction since its opening four years prior. The report indicated that by the end of that month, only the Anchor Inn cafe would continue operating in the renovated Old Town Hall.
Fiji Bio-Marine Ltd, which had leased the Town Hall since 1980, was working with the Suva City Council to sub-lease the building. John Hill, one of the company’s directors, cited profitability issues as the main reason for the aquarium’s closure, noting that Suva needed a larger influx of tourists to sustain such attractions. The aquarium encompassed more than 20,000 square feet and included various spaces such as the Crystal Palace suite, the Anchor Inn cafe, the Blue Heron shop, and the main aquarium hall.
Cr Navin Maharaj, the Lord Mayor of Suva, confirmed that the council had permitted unrestricted use of the facility, as long as it adhered to local planning and zoning regulations. Plans for repurposing the building included transforming the Crystal Palace into executive suites and redesigning the aquarium area into a mini-market, health, or fitness center, which would be subdivided into offices. Furthermore, the basement was deemed suitable for a storeroom.
As part of the transition, all surplus items from the aquarium, including live fish, fish tanks, corals, fishing nets, and antique furniture, were sold during a closing down sale on December 1. The sharks and turtles from the aquarium were distributed to friends, marking the end of an era.
While the closure of the aquarium may seem like a setback, it opens the door to new opportunities for redevelopment in the area, signifying a transformative phase for Suva’s Old Town Hall.