A local marketing executive in the real estatemonths and identified them as evidence of foresight, commitment and confidence in Barbados at time when uncertainty looms internationally.
Kathy-Dawn Burke Director, Marketing & Franchising at Terra Caribbean in the November newsletter of the firm, points to the strong words of the Barbados National Anthem penned by Irving Burgie, “Upward and onward we shall go Inspired, exulting, free And greater will our nation grow In strength and unity.”
She indicates that developments which have been underway over the last year exemplify those words of the Barbados National Anthem that were written over forty years ago.
The last few months have brought mixed expectations on the performance of the fast approaching winter tourist season but the Terra executive says, “The winter is shaping up to be better than initially expected. The recently concluded World Travel Market in London has reaffirmed Barbados’ strength on the global market as a desired destination – projections seem positive for this season’s visitor arrivals.”
Burke who has been on the real estate scene in Barbados for a few years now, highlights one of this island’s premier developments stepping into a new season in its development. In the article which is entitled “Firm Craftsmen of our Fate” she notes, Apes Hill Club will launch its world-class 18-hole golf course on Wednesday, December 2nd, and it is expected to rival any of the best facilities globally. The course will then be open for members and their guests. The Garden Wall and Polo Villas are complete, on sale (starting at US$1.1m) and ready for occupancy. Lots are also available from US$440,000.
The new development “Moonshine Ridge” at Apes Hill Club is also on the Terra radar and it is explained by Burke that it has broken ground on their first multi-million dollar villa, which will serve as the show home and sales office for the project.
Meanwhile eyes are still on the progress at Sapphire Beach Condominiums on the popular Dover Beach in the South Coast and it she explains that will be at practical completion by early December and purchasers will have their apartments for the winter season.
She also highlights Somerley which is a mixed use property and houses the new Terra Headquarters on the South Coast. Of the fourteen residential units available there only four remain for sale.
Palm Beach Condominiums which have been highly anticipated is finishing up and getting ready for hand over to its purchasers. This project has done extremely well in attracting local investors during the off-plan and construction phase and at this stage there are only nine units remaining for sale.
On the commercial side of real estate, the Terra Executive noted that in Hastings on the South Coast the the final stages of work is being completed on the new Lanterns Shopping Mall, a first of its kind luxury retail offering. Tenants are expected to occupy their stores in early 2010. Additionally she also outlines the developments taking place with three new multi-level A-Class office buildings which are well under construction – Two in Warrens and the British American Insurance property in Collymore Rock which is set to be complete in the first quarter of 2010.
Burke also contends that commercial expansion also continues at the region’s oldest hotel, The Crane Resort in St.Philip with the opening of the new Town Centre including restaurants, lounges, a fitness centre and state-of-the-art conference facilities. Further development is continuing with the Park Residences and the properties are being sold as both fractional and whole ownership.
Further afield, she points to the East Coast of Barbados where renowned property of The Atlantis Hotel a wonderful restoration project set to be opened in December 2009.
