The much talked about plans to recreate the City of Nassau as a waterfront mecca was unveiled to members of the East Rotary Club on Friday by the managing director of the Hotel Corporation.
Speaking to a packed house at the Nassau Yacht Club, Baltron Bethel told the group that the master redevelopment plan will stretch from Montagu to Arawak Cay and will focus on enhancing the harbour, redeveloping Bay Street and Rawson Square and creating a scenic route between the airport and downtown Nassau.
Addressing frequent pet peeves often complained about by residents and visitors, Mr. Bethel noted that public transportation and parking along Bay Street would also be included in the plan.
Providing details on the current position of the Nassau redevelopment plan, Mr. Bethel revealed that a master plan outlining the details of the project is currently being worked on and EDAW, an international planning firm has been commissioned to assist with this process.
Describing the redevelopment project as an endeavour to reclaim the history and soul of old Nassau, the Hotel Corporation managing director said the plan would re-affirm the importance of tourism as the primary engine of the Bahamian economy and at the same time preserve a rich cultural history for future generations.
The master plan is to be developed in five phases, the first of which began in May of this year in the form of data collection and analysis of existing conditions. During the second phase of the master plan, 10 principles were put together to fulfil the vision of Prime Minister Perry Christie of transforming the city of Nassau into a city of romance. Included among the objectives were plans to reclaim the waterfront, alleviate congestion, feature Bahamian culture and incentivize economic investment.
The plan divides the entire Bay Street waterfront into three districts themed “the garden district”, encompassing Arawak Cay to Armstrong Street, “the heart of Nassau” encompassing the central downtown area and “the living waterfront.”
The last three phases of the master plan will encompass a design and strategy refinement, a draft design and development framework and finally presenting the plan to the government and stakeholders that will benefit from the project.
Martella Matthews, The Nassau Guardian
