$1.5M For Brandywine Bay Project - Gov't Reveals

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Clifton Skelton/BVI Platinum News

(PLTM) - After several failed attempts by BVI Platinum News, the government has finally released the projected cost of the Brandywine Bay beach development.

On Thursday, October 13, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour provided BVI Platinum News with the projected cost of $1.5M. However, it was noted that this does not account for unforeseen factors or variables, which have the potential to change the overall cost.

BVI Platinum News first made contact for the cost back in May of this year, and then on September 1 after the project was full speed ahead.

The project is being funded by the Ministry and managed through AR Potter and Associates Ltd.

The project was first presented to residents in the surrounding areas back in July 2015. Then, later in the year, the Ministry began works without approval from the Town and Country Planning Department and was forced to halt works. Subsequently, the necessary adjustments were made and the department approved the project.

Works at the Brandywine Bay development project include the construction of a pavilion (vendor booths) for food vendors and other vendors selling items of interest to tourists and visitors alike; utility hut to house the control for the electrical and water infrastructure; revitalized restrooms; bus loading area for the unloading and reloading of passengers; and kiosks along the length of the beach for shade.

Hon. Dr. Hon. Kedrick Pickering, Deputy Premier and Minister of Natural Resources and Labour has stated that the end game of the project would be to produce another leisure destination for tourists and locals alike.

“Persons need to understand that the project is not just reclamation, but includes landscaping, beach utilities, vendors and other conveniences. The project will be an enthusiastic addition to our tourism product and our economy, and we are working towards our goals here using the most environmentally sound methods so that the least amount of impact is being taken at every turn," he said.

Minister Pickering also added that the Brandywine Bay beach has long been earmarked as an alternative to add to the tourism product for cruise ship passengers, to reduce the strain of overcrowding on other beaches such as Cane Garden Bay and Brewer’s Bay.

Permanent Secretary Ronald Smith-Berkeley also stated that persons driving in the area should see several developments now that the project is in its first phase.

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