From:TheBahamasWeekly.com

Grand Bahama
Downtown Welcome Center & Bus Station Taking Shape
By GBPA
Jul 29, 2010 - 2:26:23 PM

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EXAMINING THE BLUEPRINTS – GBPA Building & Development Services staff, along with police, road traffic department and transportation personnel, examine architectural plans for the new downtown welcome center and bus transit station.

Freeport, Bahamas – Construction has commenced on a new Welcome Center and Bus Transit Station in the heart of downtown Freeport.  The multi-purpose structure is an integral component of the Downtown Turnaround project launched last year by The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA).

“The Downtown Revitalization project was conceived out of a desire to address the aesthetic and environmental conditions of downtown Freeport, by providing a facelift to the existing landscape, buildings and infrastructure.  Ultimately, the project seeks to update the area, resulting in a heightened appeal for both locals and visitors alike to the commercial district,” explained Nakira Wilchcombe, Environmental Manager, Building & Development Services, GBPA.

Primary aspects of the 1495 square foot handicap accessible structure include a Royal Bahamas Police Force and Road Traffic Division satellite station, a Welcome Centre, restrooms and a snack shop. 

Local contractors, Michael Swann and Larry Robinson of Quality Construction Limited, have been working diligently to have the project completed on time.  “We’re extremely happy to be involved with the Downtown Revitalization project. I think the 'Port' is doing an excellent job in breathing new life into the city's center , ” stated Swann, company President.

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WELCOME CENTER & BUS STATION – Construction continues on a new 1495 square foot welcome center and bus transit station in the heart of downtown Freeport. Once completed, the structure will also house a Royal Bahamas Police Force and Road Traffic Division satellite station, restrooms and a snack shop.

Construction on the new downtown structure began in June and laborers are already installing metal roofing.  The duo expressed pleasure at the pace of construction.  “Work is progressing beautifully. Realizing that time is a factor and knowing it’s hurricane season, we’re working very aggressively towards an early completion date,” explained Robinson.

With almost 30 tradespersons employed, including various sub-contractors, the business partners are thrilled to be able to contribute to the island’s economy.  According to their estimates, they’ve already spent over $40k on materials in the last 6 weeks, with 95% of that figure going to local suppliers.

Additionally, they’ve been able to hire 3 young apprentices, a recent high school graduate and two college students, exposing them to various trades but in particular, carpentry.

“Like our name says, ‘quality’, that’s what we do.  We always strive to do our best.  We’re committed to creating a top-notch finished product with architectural Bahamian finishing like wooden railings and lattices,” Robinson promised. 

GBPA held onsite meetings at the York Street site with various industry partners prior to the commencement of construction.  According to Wilchcombe, all of the parties concerned were extremely pleased and look forward to the completion of the new Welcome Center and Bus Transit Station before year’s end.

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QUALITY CONSTRUCTION – Quality Construction Limited’s building contractors, Larry Robinson (left) Vice President, and Michael Swann (right) President, perform inspections on the new welcome center and bus transit station being built in downtown Freeport.



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