The much awaited $400 million resort development project planned for Merricks St. Philip has received approval from the Town and Country Planning Office.
Word has come in the local press that developers of 70 acre development received planning permission on May 19th, 2010 and now it appears that all systems are a go for the project.
Although a small number of investors have demanded refunds due to the lengthy delay in receiving planning permission for the property.
The tourist complex includes three five-star hotel blocks, eight apartment blocks, 18 “plantation” houses, 42 one-bedroom cabanas, a 500-seat conference room, restaurants, shops and a spa village.
In 2010, at a town hall meeting, Chairman of Harlequin, Dave Ames, said 700 people would be employed during the construction phase and another 1500 would be needed to staff the complex.
The resort sparked some controversy among local Merrick residents when it was first purchased by the UK-based developer in 2007. Several concerned Merricks residents voiced their skepticism about the Resort as its plans are now under review of the Town and Country Planning Office for approval to start construction on the massive 70 acre project. Ames ,who spoke at the discussion meeting reassured the residents, “It is not a timeshare,” he said. Residents explained that they had concerns regarding beach access and access to the coast which is now used by some residents for fishing activity. They queried if that type of activity would still be allowed and whether guests at the resort could look to disturb that activity.
The first phase of the project is expected to be completed in 2012, while phase 2 is scheduled to be completed in 2013 and 2014 is the year for completion of phase 3. Prices offered for the resort will be subject to increases and reflect what Harlequin believes to be a realistic value,taking into account the demand and other economic factors.
Harlequin is just months away from opening another one of its major properties in the Caribbean; Buccament Bay in St. Vincent and the Grenandines.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Wuh ass give permission for this monstrosity to be built? Merricks should be preserved as a large open green space or should be incorporated into the proposed “national park”. It is depressing and frustrating to see that overdevelopment has become a way of life in Barbados. By constantly building and disfiguring the landscape, Barbados is putting itself at risk for economic collapse. Tourists hate to see an island that is over concreted and too americanized. Merricks should have been bought by the people of Barbados for the people of Barbados. Why is such a sprawling development needed for such a small beach? Once the Merricks resort is all built and done, Barbados will be officially OVERDEVELOPED. Barbados has only the North and the East coast left! Bajans MUST fight to preserve Barbados’s last green lungs and let the government know that this shit has to STOP!!!!!! The DLP is NO different from the BLP!!!! Bajans should vote PEP, as they are advocates for PUBLIC ownership!!! Tourists would now rather visit islands like St.Lucia or The Grenadines due to their pristine quality. Barbados is losing its money to its competitors due to our ignorant government. How is Barbados going to achieve a Green Economy when most of the island is suffocating under tons concrete and asphalt? My island must be really hurting. How can Barbados even think about becoming the greenest Caribbean island when there is NOT one piece of ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION??!!?? My island must be really hurting. TO HELL with thompson’s dlp government and arthur’s blp administration!!!
LONG LIVE BARBADOS!!!!!
I agree with the above post, as a regular visitor and a member of many Barbados forums I can confirm that it is the general consensus amongst tourists that overdevelopment is spoiling the island and this is definitely driving the tourist away. It is one of the most discussed topics on forums. The very appeal of the island was its natural beauty, most visit here to get away from concrete jungles. Developers are turning the island into another Spanish ‘Costa’ does the government want Barbados to suffer the same fate? With so many properties available they can’t give away their accommodation, it will drive down prices to the point where a very different type of clientele will be visiting the island in the future. It will not attract celebrities for much longer as these are two conflicting markets…how often do you see the rich and famous on a beach in Torremolinos.
A large percentage of the islands tourism is repeat business and most regular visitors have a genuine fondness for the locals, there is now a great deal of resentment building up about their treatment. The Bajan people need to speak out more forcibly before it is too late!
Do a Google search for Harlequin, the developer of Merricks, particularly their Buccament Bay development in St Vincent. Ignore the Harlequin main website and their stream of agents on commission and see what you find.
I wonder what the chances are of Merricks actually being built?