Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has announced plans to transform part of the Ruggandhu 2 area in Hulhumalé Phase 1 into a new entertainment complex featuring a 10-lane bowling arena and gaming arcade.
The development will be established on vacant land currently used for a range of commercial and community activities, with HDC seeking to create a dedicated recreational destination for residents and visitors.
Under the plans, the complex will feature 10 bowling lanes alongside an arcade gaming area and a multipurpose hall that can accommodate parties, gatherings and other social events.
A dedicated lounge and viewing area for sports will also be incorporated into the development.
Other facilities planned for the site include locker rooms, public toilets, outdoor showers for beach users and a dedicated parking area.
HDC said the project is intended to provide recreational options for different age groups, including families and young people, while also creating an attraction that can be used by tourists and visitors from other islands.
The corporation said particular attention will be given to preserving the character of the existing Ruggandhu area during development.
According to HDC, the project has been designed to minimise its environmental footprint, with existing trees, the shoreline and the surrounding natural environment to be retained as much as possible.
The announcement provides further details on a bowling and entertainment project that has been discussed by the government throughout this year.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced in his Presidential Address in February that work would begin on new bowling, arcade gaming and children’s indoor activity facilities as part of a broader expansion of sports and recreational infrastructure.
The government’s published sports development programme subsequently outlined plans for a bowling arena with 10 lanes and supporting facilities.
In March, the President provided further details on the proposed bowling facility, saying the development would include private event spaces and a cafeteria.
He later said in July that land had been allocated in Hulhumalé Phase 1, the project had already been awarded and funding had been released to the contractor.
At the time, preliminary work was underway and the government expected the facility to be completed next year.
The bowling arena forms part of a wider programme to introduce additional sports and leisure facilities in the Greater Malé region.
Separate projects announced for Hulhumalé include dedicated multi-storey futsal and netball complexes, while the government has also pursued plans for facilities catering to e-sports, arcade gaming, skating, racing and drifting.
Hulhumalé already has an indoor sports complex developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports. HDC records show the facility, completed in 2019, includes a swimming pool, gym and bowling alley among its facilities.
The latest Ruggandhu 2 development, however, is being planned as a broader entertainment destination combining bowling, gaming and spaces for social activities.
HDC said the project is intended to create a safe and lively recreational environment while expanding the range of leisure activities available in Hulhumalé.
The corporation expects the development to serve Hulhumalé residents as well as families, young people, visitors from other islands and tourists, while providing additional spaces for community interaction and recreation.
