One of the major resort developers with plans for the Caribbean, Harlequin Property, still has its sights set on four major resorts in the region and for construction and planning permission to get underway.
With one property already underway in St. Vincent, the latest update from the property development company which was launched in 2009 is that they are now awaiting word from 2 Caribbean governments on the next step in the process.
In Barbados, where the resort is planned for 70 acres in Merricks St. Philip, the UK-based firm is still holding that the first phase of Merricks is scheduled to open in late 2011.
The latest update from the resort developer on its website is that the Barbados Government is currently compiling the extensive documentation which comprises the full planning permission. Additionally it is argued that Harlequin has been advised this is close to being finally approved by town planning in Barbados and is due to be put before the Prime Minister for his final approval. ICE is ready to start work in earnest once full planning permission is received.
The Merricks Resort is set on a stunning piece of land and beach with outline planning permission in 2006. 
According to the resort developers, the firm has been working through the various planning stages to meet the requirements of the Barbados Government in order to receive full planning permission to commence construction. It is also noted on the website that the relevant feasibility reports and plans were submitted to the Government by May 2009 and subsequently Dave Ames and the ICE Group, Harlequin Hotels & Resorts’ construction company, attended the final planning meeting in October 2009.
St. Vincent which will be home to Buccament Bay Beach Resort is indeed seeing major progress for that development. News on this 5 Star family-oriented development highlights that manufacturing for soft furnishings and fixtures for the resort are well underway. This is in addition to the significant progress being made on the construction site of the development.
Meanwhile in the Dominican Republic where another resort is planned called Las Canas & The Hideaway, the landscaping of the entrance to The Hideaway at Las Canas was completed in early 2009. More land has been purchased which will accommodate the back of house facilities for the resort. Full planning permission is in place and construction will commence in early 2010. The Hideaway will open at the beginning of 2011. Land clearing and pre-build groundworks will start on the main Las Canas resort in early 2010.
In 2009 another property in the Dominican Republic entitled Two Rivers, witnessed more land purchased at the entrance to the resort which will enable Harlequin to extend the reception area and include another restaurant. Full planning permission is in place and in early 2010 the land will be cleared. This will be followed by the land being raised and pre-build groundworks.
In St. Lucia with The Marquis Estate, another resort planned by Harlequin, the Environmental Impact Assessment Studies are currently in progress and once these are completed detailed planning will be finalised. According to the property update published by Harlequin in its website, “Work to improve the roads so that they can support the heavy plant required during the build will start in early 2010. Land clearing will commence soon afterwards and construction will begin with the Gary Player Signature Golf Course and Gary Player Golf Hotel.”
