Muliaage vehicle garage to be transformed to youth centre

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Monday announced his plans to transform the Muliaage vehicle garage on Lily Magu into the ‘Zuvaanunge Third Space’ – a dedicated centre for youth activities.

Muliaage is the official presidential residence.

According to President’s Office, the new space will focus on empowering Maldives’ youth, fostering their skills, and building strong community connections.

Although the decision was announced on Monday, it was arrived at during Sunday’s cabinet meeting following the recommendation from ministers and based on the proposal by the Minister of Construction and Infrastructure. The centre will be developed with a focus on safety given the area’s proximity to schools and heavy traffic.

To ensure smoother vehicle movement in the area, a comprehensive traffic management strategy will be implemented alongside the transformation, according to the president.

The ‘Zuvaanunge Third Space’ will reportedly offer diverse opportunities for skill-building, creative expression, and social interaction. Activities that would be run through the centre include boot camps, skill exchange programmes, virtual reality training, community art walls, culinary events, and mental health initiatives.

Besides this, the venue will be a host to interactive workshops and provide dedicated spaces for promoting well-being.

The centre will be eco-friendly, featuring a cafeteria offering healthy, locally inspired cuisine and a platform for small and medium food vendors to showcase and sell their products.

President Muizzu highlighted the importance of such spaces in nurturing the Maldivian youth and creating opportunities for personal and community development.

The initiative adds to the government’s commitment to fostering youth welfare and providing inclusive spaces for their recreational, educational, and social engagement.