The government has announced plans to repurpose the incomplete hotel project in Hulhumale’ into a government office building, which will also allocate space for a media village. This decision was disclosed during the 59th Independence Day celebrations.
The hotel project, which began in 2011 in collaboration with the US-based Carlson Group to develop a Radisson Blu hotel, faced multiple setbacks and was halted in 2014. Financial and operational challenges prevented its completion, despite STO securing a USD 32 million loan from Thailand’s EXIM Bank for the development.
The government has now repossessed the building and plans to convert it into a government office building, with several floors dedicated to media. This initiative aims to provide dedicated facilities for media operations, including various levels of studios and production resources for TV stations. The allocation of space will be made available to media outlets at a nominal rate, following specific guidelines.
The transformation of the hotel is expected to be completed within the next year, providing a significant boost to the infrastructure available for media organisations in the Maldives. This project is part of broader efforts to enhance the country’s media sector and support its development through improved facilities and resources.
The STO hotel project has been an underutilised asset for years, and this repurposing marks a strategic move to leverage existing structures for new, productive uses. The media village is set to offer unprecedented opportunities for media outlets, fostering growth and innovation in the industry.
