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The government has reiterated its support for arts education with plans to transform the former Deluxe Cinema building into a National Performing Arts Centre, which officials say will serve students and help showcase Antiguan talent.
Speaking during the post-Cabinet media briefing, Chief of Staff Ambassador Lionel Hurst said, “We’re utilizing some of the best architects here in Antigua and also supplemented by those who have an expertise in this particular area to help to plan the layout of the resources.”
He added, “We know it’s built for that kind of operation in part — huge screens with platforms that will enable the kinds of space that will be required by performing arts experts as well as the ABIAC group.”
Hurst also said the government is “depending on them, in fact we’re depending on them, to ensure that we could have the equivalent of a Carnegie Hall here in Antigua and Barbuda so that our artists can become worldwide famous and attractive.”
He noted the centre’s goal is to help produce “even more of those kinds” of performers, referencing the success of Antiguans who have gained international attention.
Hurst explained that the completion of the facility is intended to coincide with Antigua and Barbuda’s hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting next year.
“We are hoping that by the time we host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting here in Antigua late next year, we’ll be able to have ABIAC and the theatre so prepared that the heads of government… might also be invited to experience some cultural evening here in Antigua and Barbuda.”
The Cabinet has also indicated that tenants currently occupying the building, including Burger King and a casino, were notified to vacate. “We purchased that building… in 2018.
That Burger King and casino have been functioning since that time.
I don’t believe that they are even current in their rent, but we have nevertheless provided them with sufficient notice and a sufficient length of time for them to find alternate places.”
Hurst said the upcoming construction would likely interfere with their operations.
“We’re going to take the roof off the building or we’re going to repair the roof… if during the repairs rain comes, they might find it very difficult to operate downstairs.”
He emphasized, “It is not mean-spirited. It is intended to ensure safety in the construction period when the building is undergoing refurbishment.”
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WITH NO PARKING FACILITY? ARE YOU PEOPLE MAD?
Money wasting time again?
vote Pringle for Finance Minister so he can finish the UPP CAN’T PARK AT EAST BUS STATION!
I used to go to Deluxe as a kid — bittersweet to see it change, but this sounds exciting.
Finally, some investment in the arts! Antigua has so much talent waiting for a proper stage.
I just hope they actually finish it by 2026 — these projects always seem to get delayed.
I wonder if they’ll preserve any of the old cinema’s charm in the redesign.
I miss the old movie nights at Deluxe, but this is a good second life for the building.
Wonder if they’ll offer affordable classes or workshops when it’s done.
By the way, please don’t forget to include a car park in the renovation and repurposing of the building.
Where is the money coming from for the repurposing?
Well the keys to the CIP/CBI sccount is lost.
Who so ever will may push their hands into the kitty.
Has the work been sent out to tenders?
Has a contractor been identified?
Just don’t give the contract to Winston Williams.
He will build the toilet in the middle of High Street and it will not be completed.
So while the cabinet is going to decide who will benefit from the inflated contract the nation awaits who the contractor will be.
SOUNDS LIKE “PROJECTED GROWTH “; SORRY PRIJECTED ART.
No!
! No! Please, it will cost millions to fix deluxe cinema . if you can guestimate a little yasco bathroom to be over quarter million dollars, how about that derillict leaking deluxe cinema, oops! My bad, Gaston is in trouble locally and internationally, and have to hand out pork barrel contracts to supporters to give him votes if a snap election had to be call depending on the court ruling in the USA.
I do hope it is turned into a State of the Art Performing Centre. We need such a building right in the middle of our town.
And the critiques of Parking are not worth listening to. When we have Carnival in town we have many more people finding their way into town and they find parking all the way down by the Printery and Gramar School. And when we have football matches at Recreation Ground we find parking as well. And those activities draw many more patrons. But there will always be critics. No matter what this government does.