After years of restoration following a devastating fire in 2019, the newly redeveloped Vale ni Bose—home of the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) is set to officially reopen on Tuesday, 20th May 2025.

The ceremony will be officiated by Na Marama Bale na Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Teimumu Kepa, in what is expected to be a significant cultural and historic event.

The redevelopment, led by the iTaukei Trust Fund Board (TTFB), was launched with an initial $6.5 million in insurance funds.

It followed a traditional Fijian protocol, known as the “kerei ni yavalati ni yavu,” a formal request to the Tui Suva, which was held last year to begin the rebuilding process.

Renovation also included upgrades to the adjacent GCC Talanoa Lounge, which had its soft launch earlier this year.

The project called for open Expressions of Interest for design, construction, and the integration of audio-visual systems to support modern-day governance and cultural meetings.

GCC Chair Ratu Viliame Seruvakula emphasized the significance of the Vale ni Bose as more than a building: “It is the restoration of a space deeply rooted in the fabric of our identity as iTaukei and as Fijians.”

The refurbished complex blends traditional Fijian architecture with modern features and will serve not just as a meeting venue, but as a platform for leadership training, intergenerational dialogue, and cultural preservation.

In the months ahead, the interior will be adorned with traditional artifacts from Fiji’s 14 provinces and Rotuma, enriching the space with historical depth ahead of the Council’s second meeting.

The reopening marks a renewed chapter for the GCC, with broader plans to develop the area into a cultural and commercial hub for future generations.

By: Joeli Ragoneliwa