Building Work on New $5.5m Structure Begins
MAHARAJ PLANS TO OPEN SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS ON THE GROUND FLOOR
Work on a new $5.5 million building that will have both businesses and office spaces on its three floors has begun in Walu Bay, Suva.
The building, located on Amra Street next to the Government wharf, is owned by Quality Print, a major local commercial printing company.
Company Director, Dewan Maharaj, expects the structure to be completed within one year.
Walu Bay is the place it all started for Mr Maharaj and it is not the first time he has made an investment in the area.
Incidentally, the site is where his printing business began nearly 40 years ago.
“Outside of Suva, where you can’t get space to build, this place (Walu Bay) will be the fastest growing,” the businessman, who puts great sentimental value in the place where it all began for him, said.
Mr Maharaj plans to install shops and restaurants on the ground floor, availing the remaining two for long-term leases.
-
- Quality Print director Dewan Maharaj
Foster Court
In 2015, through Dewan Holdings Limited, Mr Maharaj invested $2.5 million into a complex on Foster Street.
Foster Court houses a private hospital, USP Centre and a popular cafe amongst others on Queens Highway.
The complex is also frequented by residents and workers from surrounding areas.
Following the investment, he said the company was trying to make Walu Bay visually more appealing. Walu Bay, sandwiched between Suva and Lami, is a largely industrial area.
Businesses looking to rent-out spaces in the building will hope to attract the thousands of dock, factory and office workers from the area.
Mr Maharaj is also the founder of Dewan Holdings.
Quality Print Limited specialises in commercial printing and has been in operation since the 1980s.
Construction Council meeting
Meanwhile, the Construction Industry Council (CIC) is expecting full attendance at its meeting scheduled for 3pm, tomorrow at Suva’s Paradiso Restaurant.
CIC President Gordon Jenkins said that further discussions on major issues such as training, licensing and transport were part of a full agenda.
In addition, the Ministry of Employment and Industrial Relations Director of OHS is expected to address members.
The upcoming CIC Conference scheduled for June 14-16 at the Warwick Resort will also be discussed.
“We are already receiving substantial interest in both the conference and the planned tradeshow,” said Mr Jenkins.
The council is comprised major construction associations in the country, including the master builders, architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, hardware suppliers, developers and project managers.
Feedback: sheldon.chanel@fijisun.com.fj
