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People’s Leadership Movement (PLM) leader Mark Vanterpool has acknowledged that his proposal to convert the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex into a mall and hotel may not be the greatest idea, following public backlash.
Speaking on the People’s Mic Podcast on Sunday evening, Vanterpool said he welcomed the feedback, revealing that he had read many of the comments from residents and intended to review more, whether in support of or against the proposal.
“The idea has been thrown out, I heard the comments, maybe after the comments, it might not be the greatest idea, but it's out of the box,” he stated.
Vanterpool encouraged more unconventional proposals to be placed before the public, arguing that community feedback should help shape the decisions of any future government.
“I read a lot of the comments and was happy that people chimed in...and this is how we should operate. Put out ideas, some of them out of the box, and let people give their views and their comments,” he said.
He added that such discussions could help determine what is best for the Territory, including whether the Government should return to the Admin Complex.
During an appearance on the Talking Points programme last month, Vanterpool suggested transforming the Admin Complex into a commercial development, with a small-business mall on the ground floor and conference facilities and hotel accommodation on the upper floors.
He argued that the proposal could stimulate economic activity in Road Town, create opportunities for entrepreneurs and generate revenue.
However, At-Large Representative and Junior Minister Lorna Smith subsequently rejected the suggestion during an appearance on Talking Points, declaring, “Absolutely not.”
Smith maintained that public servants should return to the building, arguing that housing government ministries and departments together would improve coordination and service delivery.
The Admin Complex has remained out of full operation since suffering extensive damage during the 2017 hurricanes. Rehabilitation works have faced repeated delays, with government departments continuing to operate from rented facilities.
The Government has indicated that it intends to return to the building in 2027.
Speaking on the People’s Mic Podcast on Sunday evening, Vanterpool said he welcomed the feedback, revealing that he had read many of the comments from residents and intended to review more, whether in support of or against the proposal.
“The idea has been thrown out, I heard the comments, maybe after the comments, it might not be the greatest idea, but it's out of the box,” he stated.
Vanterpool encouraged more unconventional proposals to be placed before the public, arguing that community feedback should help shape the decisions of any future government.
“I read a lot of the comments and was happy that people chimed in...and this is how we should operate. Put out ideas, some of them out of the box, and let people give their views and their comments,” he said.
He added that such discussions could help determine what is best for the Territory, including whether the Government should return to the Admin Complex.
During an appearance on the Talking Points programme last month, Vanterpool suggested transforming the Admin Complex into a commercial development, with a small-business mall on the ground floor and conference facilities and hotel accommodation on the upper floors.
He argued that the proposal could stimulate economic activity in Road Town, create opportunities for entrepreneurs and generate revenue.
However, At-Large Representative and Junior Minister Lorna Smith subsequently rejected the suggestion during an appearance on Talking Points, declaring, “Absolutely not.”
Smith maintained that public servants should return to the building, arguing that housing government ministries and departments together would improve coordination and service delivery.
The Admin Complex has remained out of full operation since suffering extensive damage during the 2017 hurricanes. Rehabilitation works have faced repeated delays, with government departments continuing to operate from rented facilities.
The Government has indicated that it intends to return to the building in 2027.
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