Apia Waterfront Development Project discusses Urban Design Standards

The Apia Waterfront Development Project Unit has been reviewing design concepts for key areas in the Apia Waterfront Central area.

Stakeholders for the Project recently participated in a workshop to review the Draft Urban Design Standards (UDS).

The New Zealand Aid Programme has committed funding to reconfigure the area 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. Huizhou Municipality from China is developing a concept design for a public park at Eleele Fou behind the Government Building in accordance with the Waterfront Plan.

The Apia Waterfront Plan was launched last year by the Prime Minister, Hon. Tuilaepa Fatialofa Lupesoliai Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi. 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 Penisula 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.

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.