The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has received an encouraging update on the construction of the new Performing Arts Centre, with the Minister who chair’s National Housing, the Honourable Rawdon Turner, reporting that the facility remains on schedule to be delivered to the Government by September 30, 2026.
The scheduled handover will take place approximately one month ahead of Antigua and Barbuda’s hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in November and will provide sufficient time for final preparations ahead of the major international gathering.
Minister Turner informed Cabinet that construction of the Performing Arts Centre has entered its final stages. Seating is currently being installed throughout the facility, while finishing works are being completed on the exterior.
The Centre’s audiovisual systems and other technical equipment are expected to be installed in the coming weeks, after which the systems will undergo the necessary testing to ensure that the facility is fully operational.
Cabinet expressed satisfaction with the progress being made and reiterated the importance of completing the facility to the required standard and within the established timeframe.
Cabinet also received a presentation from a team from the Ministry of Works, which outlined an accelerated programme of road rehabilitation in and around St. John’s.
The Ministry advised that roads surrounding the Performing Arts Centre will receive immediate attention as part of preparations for the opening of the facility and the hosting of CHOGM.
Major streets within the capital have also been identified for urgent works, including Market Street, High Street, Newgate Street and St. Mary’s Street.
The Ministry of Works has set a target of the end of September for completion of the identified road works within St. John’s, improving the condition of several of the capital’s major thoroughfares.
Cabinet was also informed that the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA), which has been undertaking pipe upgrades in the area, expects to complete those works within approximately one week. The completion of the utility upgrades will allow the road programme to proceed without the need to disturb newly rehabilitated surfaces to undertake planned pipe works.
The Ministry of Works further informed Cabinet that road works will shortly commence on the Burning Flames Highway, Hodges Bay Main Road and identified roads within the English Harbour area.
Cabinet noted that these projects form part of the Government’s continuing programme to improve the country’s road infrastructure and will complement other road rehabilitation projects being undertaken across Antigua and Barbuda.
The Government recognises that the hosting of CHOGM has created an opportunity to accelerate several infrastructure improvements; however, Cabinet emphasised that these investments are intended to provide lasting benefits to residents, businesses and road users well beyond the November meeting.
Cabinet commended the management and staff of the Ministry of Works and the teams engaged in the national road programme for their dedication, extended hours of work and commitment to completing priority projects within demanding timelines.
Cabinet acknowledged that coordinating road construction with utility upgrades and other infrastructure works requires significant planning and cooperation among Government agencies and encouraged the Ministry of Works, APUA and other stakeholders to maintain close coordination as the September deadlines approach.
The Cabinet also welcomed the continued progress on the Performing Arts Centre, which will become an important addition to Antigua and Barbuda’s national infrastructure and provide a modern venue for cultural performances, conferences, national events and major international gatherings.
With the Performing Arts Centre scheduled for handover by September 30, the completion of key utility works and the acceleration of road rehabilitation throughout St. John’s and other areas, Cabinet reaffirmed the Government’s determination to ensure that Antigua and Barbuda is fully prepared to welcome Commonwealth leaders and delegations for CHOGM 2026 in November, while delivering infrastructure improvements that will continue to serve the people of Antigua and Barbuda long after the meeting concludes.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Performing Arts Centre on Track for September 30 Handover; Major Road Works Accelerated Ahead of CHOGM 2026.