George Town business district enhancement project starts June

(CMR) A project to enhance the central business district as part of the George Town Revitalization Initiative will start in June.

A Request for Proposal was issued on Friday,  March 26, for street paving upgrade, curbing and sidewalks, integrated concrete pedestrian systems, street lighting, the addition of mature trees, seating, and street furniture.

The project being undertaken by the Ministry of Commerce, Planning and Infrastructure is expected to run for six months.

Phase 1 of the work will be to upgrade Cardinall Avenue, replacing the road from asphalt finish to concrete colored pavers, the addition of trees, and other street furniture such as seating and garbage receptacles. 

The second phase of the works will take place at the intersection adjacent to the post office at Edward Street, Cardinall Avenue, and Main Street. This will involve replacing the road surface, adding a circular monument garden, mature trees, urban lamp poles, seating, underground utility chase, manholes, and drainage.

Similar work is proposed to take place in the third phase of the project on Main Street.

George Town Manager Colin Lumsden noted that the proposed project's main objectives are to improve the aesthetic and character of the downtown area through an appropriate design and build environment.

“This initiative is aimed at greater foot traffic by locals and tourists in George Town while increasing security and safety by adding adequate lighting and pedestrian-friendly spaces as well as enhancing the surroundings by providing public open spaces adjacent to businesses,” he said.

Lumsden further stated, “The cornerstone of any economic development weighs heavily on its downtown area, and that is why this development will create a gathering area that is colorful, attractive, and much cooler with added vegetation and trees for shading as well as lighter-colored finishes.”

The central district enhancement project's design is a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Commerce Planning and Infrastructure core team, National Roads Authority, Caribbean Utilities Company, and transportation civil engineers, Apec Consulting Engineers Limited.

The project was prepared in consultation with stakeholders and presented as part of the George Town Revitalisation Initiative plan to the public in 2016. The plan outlined a holistic approach towards revitalizing George Town in the spirit of new urbanism.