A waterfront business facility is planned primarily for residents of Point as part of efforts to create income opportunities alongside housing improvements, Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced Thursday.
Speaking at the handover of the Pelican Court condominiums, Browne said the government intended to develop an entrepreneurial space on the waterfront as redevelopment of the surrounding community continues.
“We’ll be building out an entrepreneurial facility primarily for people of this community on the waterfront there, because we recognize, too, that we have to provide you with opportunities to earn money, those of you who are entrepreneurs,” he said.
Browne linked the facility to plans to clear nearby Sweeney Alley in the first quarter of 2027. Residents there are to be relocated to Pelican Court and Barrymore.
In a separate interview with ABS after the ceremony, he described the planned waterfront development as a vendors’ facility.
The prime minister did not announce its cost, the number of business spaces it would contain or how vendors would be selected. He also did not give a construction timetable for the facility.
Browne said the initiative formed part of a broader approach to improving the community, combining better housing with opportunities for residents to support themselves.
“Understand that we’re pursuing a holistic development. We are presiding over economic development. We are also helping socially,” he said.
He also outlined plans for a separate enterprise zone between Food City and the distillery, along with further development of the coastal corridor toward Fort James.
The announcements came as China formally handed over the 150-unit Pelican Court development to the government of Antigua and Barbuda. The condominiums replace the former Booby Alley settlement in St. John’s City West.
Browne said investment in the area would continue beyond the housing project, with business opportunities forming part of the next stage of redevelopment.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Waterfront business facility planned for Point residents.