Food truck park next to Tim Hortons gets green light

An artist's impression of what the proposed food truck park in Prospect could look like.
An artist's impression of how the proposed food truck park in Prospect could look. - Image: RSI Properties

The Cayman Islands is famously known as the ‘culinary capital of the Caribbean’, but it could also become known as ‘the food truck capital’ now that plans in Prospect have been approved.

RSI Properties, which already has planning permission for 24 townhouses and 12 shops next to the Tim Hortons coffee shop on Shamrock Road, has been given the green light for a food truck park at the site by the planning authority, potentially transforming an empty patch of land into a vibrant culinary hub.

The $135,000 proposal is for a food court with a maximum of 12 trucks, as well as a washroom, playground and 18 picnic tables. There would also be parking for 30 vehicles and four structures to give shade to diners.

Writing on behalf of the the applicants, attorneys JacksonLaw said that the application was a “thoughtful, modern and elegant proposal” which would be a welcome addition to Cayman’s dining options, particularly for families living near Shamrock Road and into the Eastern districts.

The letter went on to say, “Unlike many other food truck locations, this venue has been properly planned to ensure it is tidy, organised, functional and family-friendly. It will offer a safe, comfortable and convenient environment for nearby residents to enjoy, creating a welcoming community space that complements the area while elevating the food truck experience in Cayman.”

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vacant land next to the Tim Hortons fast food restaurant
The proposed food truck court would be on the vacant land next to the Tim Hortons fast food restaurant. – Photo: Sarah Bridge

Planning permission was granted during the Central Planning Authority meeting on 15 Oct. and is subject to various conditions being met, including submitting a construction plan and landscaping details.

There were no objections to the proposal from individuals or public bodies such as the Department of Environmental Health or the Cayman Islands Fire Service, and the National Roads Authority said that the impact of the food truck park on Shamrock Road and Hurley Merren Boulevard would be minimal.

The planning authority had raised questions about the planned use of grasscrete in the parking area, but RSI Properties said it was happy to replace that with concrete pavers and splash pads to direct the water run-off.

Canadian fast food chain Tim Horton's
Canadian fast food chain Tim Hortons opened in Cayman last October. – Photo: Sarah Bridge

In February, RSI Properties received planning permission for a $6 million, three-storey building, which will consist of 12 ground-floor retail units and two floors of 24 one-bedroom apartments above.

In its application, RSI Properties said that there was a need in the area for “affordable single-bedroom apartments for younger Caymanians and residents, as well as basic retail amenities, such as tutoring facilities, beauty salons, laundry facilities and other commercial retail facilities”.

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