Two kiosk stores at the Royal Watler Cruise Terminal are now open for business while others are outfitting their stores. Final stages of negotiations for lease signings are taking place with the remainder of businesses.
The Valuation Office of the Lands and Survey Department and the Port Authority of the Cayman Islands announced last Thursday that the first leases for the Royal Watler Cruise Terminal have been signed.
‘The first wave of tenants, which includes both established retailers and new business ventures, are now moving forward with store designs and fit out, and the first stores have recently opened,’ a press release stated.
Brittney’s Black Coral has been open for the past month while Jingle Shells just opened last week, said Iain Franklin of the Valuation Office.
The terminal comprises 17 retail units, ranging from small kiosks to larger retail stores, as well as a flagship restaurant unit. Other tenants for which lease signing has been announced include: Caymania Duty Free; Cayman Traditions; Guy Harvey; Havana Humidor; Island Memories; Print & Post; Too Hot Ltd; and Tortuga Rum Company.
There has been much delay surrounding the signing of leases for the retail units at the terminal. The building of the units had been completed early last year and it was expected that they would be operational for business by last summer.
Reasons given for the delay included getting a fire inspection, Certificate of Occupancy and issues that the Board of Directors of the Port Authority had to consider for the future of the cruise terminal.
Commenting on the progress now being made, Paul Hurlston, Director of the Port Authority, said, ‘It is extremely pleasing to see the final stages of this scheme draw near.’
He said that from the official opening of the terminal in October 2006 the scheme has been well received by the cruise ship industry and passengers.
‘We now look forward to welcoming both stay-over tourists and residents to experience the newest and most exciting retail destination on the island in the very near future.’
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