Past Watch Site

Soon after British colonization, the first Fijian capital was established at Levuka in 1877. Although a settlement had been in place before that, capital designation brought about a major building of churches, social and civic institutions, humble bungalows, and a wide variety of Victorian, neo-Gothic, and even false-fronted commercial buildings. Within only three years, though, the Fijian capital was moved to the main island and Levuka became a kind of time capsule of vernacular and British colonial-style architecture. The town was left with a meager economic base and over the last century it has remained in a state of benign neglect. The ethnically diverse town of 2,500 has been feeling the effects, though, of that malaise – insufficient tourist facilities, government indifference, and deteriorating buildings. A rigorous review process for new buildings, maintenance guidelines, preservation apprenticeship programs, and other civic management issues need to be implemented. Levuka remains intact but without such measures the town will lose its strong sense of place.

UPDATE

Following Watch listing, in 2000 a Department of Culture and Heritage was first formed in Fiji. Levuka has been part of Fiji's Tentative World Heritage List since 1999, and in recent years pursuit of World Heritage listing has become a priority for the Department and for local citizens. Researchers from Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan, have contributed to the nomination effort, which has involved significant original research on the history of the former capital. Hopes are high in Levuka for an increase in the number of visitors. January 2011

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