|
|
|
|
Last Updated: Oct 8, 2017 - 9:44:20 AM |
THE BAHAMAS WEEKLY EXCLUSIVE
Artist rendering of proposed Port Lucaya Entertainment Village
|
In the aftermath of Hurricane Mathew in 2016, with the closure of the two largest hotel properties on Grand Bahama Island, along with the continued downturn in the economy, the persistent outcry of residents on the island is to “Fix Grand Bahama.”
There’s a spark of new enthusiasm amidst all the talk of doom and gloom and enthusiasm in the air on Grand Bahama as more and more residents learn of Peter Hunt of PNH Properties vision to capture the allure of the island’s heyday of the 1950s and 60s. Here's what some have said about the plan on Social Media; "Absolutely love to see this in my lifetime. "I don't want to get excited about it yet..........but looks great! Could it happen ...like right now...? Please!!!" I hope Government allows this plan to go through!
While many have expressed enthusiasm for the project, others have sighted environmental concerns pertaining to the proposed pier. As a Grand Bahama resident stated on Social Media of the venture, “This is simply an idea "on paper." A rendering of what 'could be.' Obviously, prior to approving such a massive project as this, The Bahamas government would carry out environmental assessments. PNH has stated that they will make sure that this development will be environmentally friendly.
Grand Bahama residents tired of talk-talk-talk but no action would be comforted to know that the PNH Properties vision for the island, unlike the Moon project and others is not simply a pipeline dream. The company has funds available to kick-start their bold new vision for Grand Bahama as soon as approved by The Bahamas Government and Grand Bahama Port Authority. The overall investment of this plan will be $350 Million Dollars. With the Bahamas government’s new mandate to quell the inertia of doing business in the Bahamas through the simplification and streamlining of governmental processes, construction could commence within months.
PNH Properties is working in conjunction with one of the largest Hotel/Casino operators in the United States however, the proposed plan offers much more than simply reopening the closed hotel properties and casino on the Lucayan strip. As residents can recall, things were rough on the island when the entire Lucayan Strip was operational. PNH Properties bold new ‘out with the old in with the new’ vision replaces business as usual with; Port Lucaya Entertainment Village, Port Village Marina, The Sun Tower mixed-use facility and The Pier - Two new deep-water cruise ship berths. Mr. Hunt and PNH Properties vision represents a fresh new beginning for Grand Bahama with the view to make it the envy of the region.
Artist rendering of proposed Lucayan Strip
|
According to the PNH Website at pnhproperties.com the plan includes:
Refreshed and expanded - the Marketplace becomes the hub for both day and evening activity and is the beating heart of the new Port Marina Village, which includes:
The Park (Water adventure) - A combination of natural and mid-century environments with lagoons that are interconnected by underground caves and rivers creating a memorable and colourful watery playground. This new development emerges out of the existing marketplace and connects it to the new tower.
Sun Tower - a 12 storey mixed use commercial, residential and entertainment building, to be constructed in the current Port Lucaya Marketplace parking lot providing 24,000 sq. ft. commercial, 80,000 sq. ft. parking over two levels, 30,000 sq. ft. entertainment centre, 45,600 sq. ft. office accommodation, and 57,000 sq. ft. of residential over 4 floors.
Port Village Marina - A series of interconnected moorings in the waterway around the new Port Village development offering both full-service slips and day berths, and forming the backbone of the excursion base from which both cruise and resort guests can explore the area.
The Pier - Two new deep-water cruise ship berths that provide the perfect embarkation point for additional cruise ship passengers to visit the island. A cable car ride system will not only transport passengers arriving into the Port Lucaya Entertainment destination but also serve as a new exciting tourist attraction in its own right.
The PNH Properties vision for Grand Bahama Island spearheaded by Peter Hunt turns Port Lucaya and the Lucayan Strip into a mecca far beyond its pre-Hurricane Mathew state and closer to vision for the island as originally planned. This vision lines up with The Bahamas Government’s stipulated plans for marketing Grand Bahama Island:
1. Freeport/Lucaya will be developed as a maritime, sports and wellness destination.
2. East Grand Bahama will be marketed as an ecotourism mecca.
3. West Grand Bahama will become a "dynamic cultural village"
4. The PM stated, "My administration will also roll out a workable plan for tourism, and will in corroboration with its key stakeholders, rebuild brand identity and incentivize investment in Grand Bahama."
Residents of GBI are hoping that Government will move forward with this plan as the people desperately need a change and are concerned of the fate of the second city. Grand Bahama has the opportunity and potential but the fate rests with the right decisions.
© Copyright 2017 by thebahamasweekly.com
Top of Page
|
|
|
|
