The government is pressing ahead with plans to redevelop the Holetown Civic Centre site, awarding the project to the Insurance Corporation of Barbados Limited (ICBL) to construct a 100-room hotel valued at US$88 million.
Senior Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr William Duguid, told Parliament that there has been no secrecy surrounding the project, referring to public notices and consultations dating back to 2021.
He dismissed concerns that key details were being hidden, saying the government has been transparent about its plans.
As part of the project, the civic centre—which houses the Police station, Magistrate’s court, post office, library, and government offices—will be relocated to a new $48 million facility at Trents, St. James.
The expanded complex will include additional services such as the Social Empowerment Agency.
Duguid said the hotel development will generate jobs, foreign exchange, and economic activity noting that while final approvals are still pending, the plans call for a five-star hotel with approximately 100 rooms.
He also shared that the Ministry of Transport and Works is working on flood mitigation measures in Trents as part of the broader redevelopment.
The project has faced criticism from groups, including the Barbados National Trust and CTUSAB, who have raised concerns about the loss of historic community spaces.
Duguid gave the assurance that the government has met with those who have raised concerns, noting that they will be taken into consideration. (SB)
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