The long-awaited George Town revitalisation project is on track for an early Fall 2022 completion date, according to officials.
However, George Town Manager Colin Lumsden, says the project, like other development initiatives under way locally, has been hit by supply-chain issues.
“This project has not been without its challenges, as we navigate through the supply-chain issues, and scarcity and rising costs of construction materials, that are being experienced globally,” Lumsden said.
Cardinall Avenue, between Seafarers Way and Albert Panton Street, has been closed off since March this year.
On Friday, the remaining portion of Cardinall Avenue, between Albert Panton Street and Edward Street, was closed to vehicular traffic as work to pedestrianise the George Town street continues.
This latest closure forms part of the ongoing upgrades to downtown George Town, outlined in the Infrastructure Ministry’s revitalisation plan.
The roadway will be closed to vehicles for four weeks, but remains open to pedestrians.
“For the duration of the road’s closure, Albert Panton Street will be rezoned into a two-way street to allow vehicle traffic to continue to flow freely,” a ministry update on the project stated. “Local deliveries to businesses along the eastern section of Cardinall Avenue can be made via a specially marked delivery zone on Albert Panton Street.”
This second phase of the project, the ministry said, will include enhancements to infrastructure, new landscaping and paving in line with work already underway on the western section of Cardinall Avenue.
The George Town Revitalisation Initiative is a multi-year government project led by the ministry, designed to breathe life and vibrancy back to Cayman’s capital.
According to the ministry statement, significant work has been undertaken on the part of Cardinall Avenue between Seafarers Way and Albert Panton Street, which is now being prepared for final paving.
“This section of the street has already benefitted from new underground utilities, street lighting and landscaping,” the statement noted.
The final phase of the project will involve the repaving of the section of Seafarers Way directly in front of Cardinall Avenue, as well as the existing taxi rank, creating a waterfront ‘pocket park’ with seating and greenery.
“Mature trees have already been planted throughout the project area to create additional shading, including two 60-year-old Silver Thatch palm trees,” the ministry stated.
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We don’t need an artist’s “rendition” , can Mr Lumsden produce some actual photos of the site so we can all see what’s actually been achieved in the last 6 months. As for completion in the “early fall”, this needs to be taken with a large pinch of sea salt.
If they really want “to breathe life and vibrancy back in to Cayman’s capital” then they will have to ensure that there are reasons for people to go there, beyond jewellery and perfume shops. Having somewhere to park might also help.