The historic Polata’ane residence in Nuku’alofa, once home to the British High Commissioner to Tonga, has been demolished following an endorsement by King Tupou VI. The property, which reverted to royal ownership after its lease expired in 2021, now faces an uncertain future with no confirmed redevelopment plans.
In 2024, the Tonga Development Bank (TDB) announced an ambitious project to transform the residence into a luxury villa complex. The proposed development, known as the “Langa Fonua” Project, was to include a conference centre, reception area, restaurant, and 23 luxury villas offering a total of 58 rooms.
The TDB emphasized the project’s potential to revitalize Tonga’s tourism and hospitality sectors, especially after the 2022 volcanic eruption and tsunami that severely impacted local infrastructure.
However, the plan has since been abandoned, leaving the site’s future in limbo. The property remains part of King Tupou VI’s estate, with no new developments announced. Sione Fifita, Secretary to His Majesty, confirmed that the demolition was completed last month following a review of the property’s condition and potential for future development.
The Polata’ane residence has been a focal point of controversy in recent years. In 2018, then-Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva proposed returning the property to the British Government, anticipating renewed British interest in the Pacific post-Brexit. This offer caused an uproar within Tonga’s Office of the Lord Chamberlain, which was located on the property.
As of now, the Polata’ane site remains vacant, with its future development uncertain.
