“Work is progressing, with the old site already cleared and construction now underway. The construction is now halfway through and hoped to be ready by next year,” Mr Rewat told The Phuket News.
“Once it is finished, it will be like a new ‘lung’ for Phuket Town residents, providing a place for exercise, adding green space and a new tourist attraction for Phuket,” he added.
The park is built on the former prison land, which is located at the northern end of Phuket Town and covers over 40 rai.
The project, aimed at preserving the historical site and creating a new recreational space for residents, includes the construction of several key facilities: a pagoda enshrining the relics of the Buddha, a multi-purpose building, pavilion, a children’s playground, two additional playground areas, a viewpoint, a scenic viewpoint, and three public restrooms.
Construction began on Dec 19, 2024, and is expected to be completed by June 11, 2026, spanning a total of 540 days.
The construction contract, valued at B165.8 million, was awarded to SPM 5988 Co Ltd, a company based in Bangkok.
The project is overseen by PPAO’s committee, Wasana Samhuai, with Parinya Chariyahatthakit, Sornsawan Sakulsan, Kronchana Khamhaeng, and Suphansa Wunsiew serving as directors and supervisors.
Of note, the old Phuket Provincial Prison was built during the reign of Phraya Ratsadanupradit, the Governor of Phuket in 1901. Counting the total period to the present, it has been in operation for 121 years.
Although the original building stood for over a 100 years, it was not denoted any historical significance and the entire prison site was demolished in November 2022.