Downtown Apia has had a $ST10.5million facelift which opened earlier this week, just a few days out from the opening of the Pacific Games.
The revamped area has more parking space and many gardens spread around the area.
Some contemporary installations of traditional sails fly over the gardens of the Clock Tower Boulevard.
The new Apia Waterfront Events Space is a more pronounced grassy “village malae” with a more modern look and a greener offering in small gardens surrounding the grassy area.
The New Zealand government and the Global Climate Fund were primary funding sources for the facelift which has taken 12 months to complete.
New Zealand High Commission representative Luatua Pati said, “The Apia Waterfront is a truly special place, one where locals and visitors alike can come together to experience and appreciate Samoa’s natural and built environment – it’s waterfront history, heritage, arts and culture.”
Part of the development are the newly refurbished beach volleyball courts rebuilt as part of the China Samoa Friendship Park funded by China’s Huizhou City in Guandong Province.
Chinese Ambassador Chao Xiaoling said, “It is a happy occasion that our paths cross for a common purpose, that is to make Samoa a more beautiful place.”
