International investors have presented a proposal to transform the Fort James Harbor peninsula into a luxury marina and mixed-use waterfront destination, with an estimated first-phase investment of about US$150 million.
The proposal was outlined during this week’s Cabinet meeting, where investors shared plans for a large-scale development combining tourism, recreation and residential elements while preserving the historic character of the Fort James area.
Director General of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister, Maurice Merchant, said the development team presented “an ambitious vision for the transformation of the Fort James Harbor Peninsula into a vibrant world-class waterfront community that blends heritage, tourism, recreation, and residential development while preserving the unique character of the surrounding environment.”
The first phase of the project would focus primarily on constructing a luxury mega-yacht marina.
“The first phase of the project is expected to involve the investment of approximately US$150 million,” Merchant said, adding that the marina would be capable of accommodating “no fewer than 50 mega yachts.”
Officials noted that the proposal remains at an early stage and will be subject to the government’s normal approval process, including environmental and planning reviews.
“The proposal remains at a preliminary stage and will be subject to the normal review process, including detailed assessments by the relevant technical agencies, environmental authorities, and planning bodies,” Merchant said.
The government said it remains open to investment that enhances the country’s tourism sector while safeguarding historically significant sites such as Fort James.
“The government remains committed to encouraging responsible sustainable investment that contributes to economic growth, enhances the tourism product, and protects the historical environment assets of Antigua and Barbuda,” Merchant said.
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And here again, we have the rich and powerful lobbyists showing they have the ears of the government, and having more power than the indigenous Antiguan voters!
One fine day the ABLP will spend the same amount on repairing and restructuring for the common man, woman and child who resides here…
“I HAVE A DREAM…”
As the late great Martin Luther King Jr would say
Somebody lucky cause that’s a great location. The government should do that for the country including More Hotels and stop allowing other people to use our Lands. And water fronts.
What has become of the great investment by the Cruise Ship Company at Fort James? Was that a pie in the sky? Just hoping someone does not get duped,again. Like the Morris Bay Project at OLD Road by the SHEIKH. A WHA BECOME A DAT?
I have heard about ideas for the Cove for as long as I can remember. That artist’s impression has been floating around for years now. Royal Caribbean were interested but ultimately walked away from the idea once they realized how little room they had to work with in that area and how much it would cost. There is space for a smaller project for so-called mega yachts but I don’t see that happening for several reasons and definitely not for a $150 million USD!
That entire area would require another significant dredging project especially since a lot, if not all of Deepwater Harbour’s original and addition dredged material was dumped in that very spot. There is all kinds of rebar and who-knows-what on the bottom too. For sure, the Cove has potential for development but it won’t be cheap.
@Falcon. The Callaloo Cay project at Morris Bay has flatlined after the Emirati investors backed out. The government owns all of the land in question there but needs a partner to proceed but none have stepped forward to show any interest.
@ Javier,
If this project is gets built who will own what’s now Government land?
What planet did you arrive from ? Man-O-Man
No investor has ever appeared in Antigua and Barbuda investing millions into their project and did now end up owning the land.
Papa Bird used to say they can’t take it with them, and the old people sop that up.
If you are not from smith planner or plain stupid you would the fallacy of that concept.
Even failed project like Royal Antigua proved to be costly for the Government to regain ownership.
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