The government is moving ahead with plans to transform Darkwood Beach into a public park, a project officials say is intended to preserve one of Antigua and Barbuda’s best-known beaches while enhancing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.

Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant announced the initiative during Thursday’s post-Cabinet media briefing, saying Cabinet received an update on the proposed redevelopment as part of the government’s broader programme of national development projects.

Merchant said the project is designed to protect and enhance Darkwood Beach while introducing improved public amenities.

“Cabinet also received an update on plans to transform the Darkwood Beach into a public park that will preserve and enhance one of the country’s most treasured national spaces while providing residents and visitors with improved recreational amenities,” he said.

The proposal was considered alongside plans for the redevelopment of the Perry Bay-Keeling Point area, although Merchant emphasized that each project will proceed through its own planning process.

He said Cabinet agreed that concept designs for the Darkwood Beach project will be presented to ministers as planning advances.

Merchant added that the government remains committed to ensuring that the development is carried out in an environmentally responsible manner.

As a result, Cabinet has directed that a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) be completed before construction is allowed to proceed.

“The assessments will inform the planning process and ensure that environmental considerations are fully integrated into the final designs,” Merchant said.

He said the environmental review will help guide the final design of the project while ensuring that the natural characteristics of the beach are protected throughout the development process.

No timeline for construction or details of the proposed recreational facilities were disclosed during the briefing.

Merchant said the initiative reflects the government’s intention to preserve important public spaces while improving recreational infrastructure for both citizens and tourist

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Government Advances Plan to Transform Darkwood Beach into Public Park.