Victoria’s future is centered around a vision of inclusivity, sustainability, and vibrancy. The Masterplan envisions a city that celebrates its unique Creole identity while addressing the practical needs of the 21st century. It emphasizes blending modern development with cultural heritage, creating an environment that reflects Seychelles' unique character.

At the heart of this vision are six key strategies that will guide every aspect of the plan:

1. Delivering Growth - Recognizing the need for expansion, this strategy targets areas for new development, intensification, and redevelopment. By promoting a mix of land uses, the city can foster economic growth and a lively urban atmosphere.

    

2. Creating a Liveable Place - Victoria’s urban spaces will prioritize quality of life. Through new green spaces, enhanced public squares, and pedestrian-friendly areas, the city will offer a high standard of living and ensure residents enjoy a more relaxed, healthy lifestyle.

    

3. Embracing Creole Heritage and Identity - Seychelles’ heritage is a cornerstone of the plan. This strategy ensures that cultural landmarks are preserved, and historic areas revitalized, celebrating Creole heritage through architectural designs, public art, and events that reflect Seychelles' culture.

    

4. Revitalising the Public Realm - A network of attractive public spaces and walkways will create a welcoming, accessible environment. Key areas like the Old Town will undergo transformation to feature high-quality streets, open spaces, and better lighting, making Victoria more enjoyable for residents and visitors alike.

    

5. Activating the Waterfront - Victoria’s waterfront holds tremendous potential. This strategy seeks to reconnect the city with its coastal areas, introducing a dynamic mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces along the waterfront.

    

6. Developing a Coherent Movement Network - Improvements to Victoria’s transport infrastructure are essential for reducing congestion and improving connectivity. New public transport options and road enhancements will ensure seamless movement within the city and beyond

The Masterplan outlines several transformative projects that will shape Victoria’s urban landscape, each aligned with the vision of creating a sustainable, vibrant city. The following projects highlight the strategic areas where the plan's objectives will be realized:

1. Ile Aurore - Designed as an attractive, waterside community, Ile Aurore will feature mixed-use spaces, including housing, retail, offices, a marina, and green spaces. This development aims to offer residents a unique lifestyle with convenient amenities, integrating residential and commercial uses for a balanced urban environment.

    

2. Financial District - Positioned as the heart of business activity in Victoria, the Financial District will provide high-quality office spaces, select residential units, and cafes, establishing a central hub for commercial engagement. This district will also strengthen Victoria’s economic role within Seychelles and beyond.

    

3. Ile Perseverance - A self-sustained, sustainable urban village, Ile Perseverance will offer ample public transport, community services, and green spaces. The area is set to become a model for environmentally conscious urban development, blending residential spaces with amenities to support a balanced community lifestyle.

    

4. Port Victoria and Ile du Port - A cornerstone of Seychelles’ blue economy strategy, Port Victoria and Ile du Port will support fisheries, trade, and tourism. With expanded port facilities and dedicated areas for the fishing industry, this area will drive economic growth, creating jobs and strengthening Seychelles’ role in the maritime sector.

    

5. Roche Caiman - Serving as a hub for sports and education, Roche Caiman will enhance local leisure and wellness facilities. This development emphasizes community well-being, providing sports and educational facilities that encourage a healthier, more active lifestyle for residents.

    

6. Old Victoria Heritage Area - The Old Town will be revitalized to celebrate Victoria’s history and culture, with improved public spaces, wayfinding, and lighting. The addition of new cultural attractions, such as museums and outdoor venues, will make this area a lively focal point, offering visitors a glimpse into Seychelles’ rich past.

    

7. Victoria’s Waterfront - The city’s waterfront will be activated with a series of mixed-use spaces that connect the urban environment to the ocean. Planned attractions include a Maritime Museum, a music stadium, and a new esplanade along the waterfront. This area will offer residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, providing an appealing destination for both locals and tourists

The successful execution of the Victoria Masterplan depends on a robust framework of collaboration and partnership between the public and private sectors. A cross-departmental Greater Victoria Development Unit will spearhead the implementation, ensuring that projects are coordinated across government ministries, district authorities, and private stakeholders.

The Masterplan’s ambitious goals also require the active participation of the Seychelles Investment Board, local businesses, district administrators, and environmental organizations. This collaboration will not only bring expertise and resources to the table but also ensure that community needs and environmental considerations are fully integrated into the development process.

The Government of Seychelles (GoS) will play a central role in overseeing land allocation, infrastructure planning, and community engagement, working in tandem with private investors to fund and develop new infrastructure. This partnership-based approach promises efficient use of resources and a unified commitment to achieving Victoria’s transformation

A phased approach ensures that development aligns with infrastructure readiness and community needs, managing growth sustainably over time. The phasing strategy prioritizes the Financial District and Ile Perseverance for early development, establishing these as foundational components of Victoria’s economic and residential expansion.

Medium- to long-term projects, such as waterfront revitalization and the expansion of residential areas, will follow as infrastructure capacity is enhanced. Notable milestones include:

• Short-term (1-5 years): Completion of the Financial District, phases on Ile Perseverance, and early stages of waterfront redevelopment.

   

• Medium-term (5-10 years): Full realization of waterfront spaces, relocation of the bus terminal, and additional land reclamation for port expansion.

   

• Long-term (10-15+ years): Further expansion of the port and strategic land reclamation as population and economic activity increase​ .

To fund these projects, Seychelles will rely on a combination of public and private investments, international funding, and developer contributions. Key funding mechanisms include:

1. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Leveraging private sector expertise and resources to support large-scale infrastructure projects.

    

2. International Funding and Donor Support: Attracting investment from international bodies to support climate resilience and sustainable development goals.

    

3. Developer Contributions: Ensuring that private developers contribute to broader community needs, such as utilities, public transport, and green spaces, as part of their project obligations.

    

This multi-channel funding approach, combined with a clear timeline for development, will help Victoria manage growth efficiently and sustainably, maximizing the city’s potential as an economic and cultural center.

One of the Masterplan’s most distinctive features is its commitment to Seychelles’ cultural heritage. By preserving historic sites and promoting Creole identity in architecture, public art, and events, the plan seeks to retain the essence of Victoria. Community engagement plays a crucial role in this mission, as residents are encouraged to participate in local decision-making and the design of new facilities.

Efforts to protect and celebrate Seychelles’ culture are designed not only to attract tourists but also to instill a sense of pride and ownership among Seychellois. The promotion of local identity will reinforce Victoria’s unique position in the region, offering a city experience that is distinctly Seychellois.

The Greater Victoria Masterplan sets Seychelles’ capital on a path to becoming a model of sustainable urban development in the Indian Ocean. Through strategic growth, enhanced liveability, cultural preservation, and community engagement, Victoria is poised to thrive as a vibrant Creole capital, balancing economic ambition with the preservation of its unique heritage and natural environment.

As these projects unfold, the city will offer residents, businesses, and visitors a destination that celebrates both tradition and innovation, ensuring Victoria remains an inspiring, inclusive, and sustainable place for generations to come.