An $88 million US, 100 room, five star hotel has been proposed for the site at Holetown, St. James with the relocation of the Civic Centre. Senior Minister in the Prime Minister’s Officer, Dr. William Duguid provided insight into the plans, revealing an initial four companies met the target date for the submission of proposals. The Insurance Corporation of Barbados Limited along with the Apes Hill Golf and Beach Club, which had plans for a new condominium complex, were shortlisted for negotiations. However, Dr. Duguid says ICBL was awarded the bid given the greater value of that hotel project. He defended the plans for the redevelopment of the site of the Civic Centre, stressing there were no attempts by Government to hide the facts relating to the project. He revealed public engagement dates back to August 2021. Dr. Duguid says Government saw it fit to address the matter as he delivered a Ministerial Statement in the Lower House and gave an assurance about beach access and the protection of the Holetown Monument. He says a number of meetings have been held to design the new Civic Centre at Trents, which will be constructed at a cost of 40 million Barbados dollars. The Senior Minister also says engagements have been held to address flooding with the overall development of the Holetown area. He says Government appreciates the importance of preserving and conserving the country’s heritage. Dr. Duguid adds in order for Barbados to increase its product offerings to the world and increase competitivenes, there must be a re-purposing of existing plants given the few opportunities for beach front projects. About The Author