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.”
Government’s latest housing development which sit on the outskirts of Bridgetown should be set to be handed over in May 2010.
The four towers construct at the Country Road/Bank Hall junction are advancing and is another step in the road for the administration which put housing as part of its main objectives during its tenure.
The news recently came from Minister of Housing and Lands, Michael Lashley, who said that the four National Housing Corporation (NHC) buildings, would provide 56 units in total, comprising 48 two-bedroom and eight three-bedroom homes.
But government’s high rise solutions do not stop with Country Park Towers. According to the Housing Minister Mr. Lashley similar high rise ventures are on the cards.
He said, “We are looking at launching, through the course of this financial year, in Eckstein Village, Tudor Bride, St. Michael, and doing a high rise there. There are also plans for another at Valerie in St. Michael,” he added.
Lashley revealed that in addition to the 20, two-bedroom units being built at Stuarts Lodge, Tweedside Road, St. Michael, NHC employees would be building 20 units at Fordes Road, also in that parish.
“That is well under way, and already we have invited and selected, in terms of the tender process, the company to do the infrastructural work, so that would be started very shortly. We are also looking at building 12 quadruplexes at Haggatt Hall, and that
will come on stream during this financial year as well,” Minister Lashley pointed out.
One of Barbados newest condominium developments has a major feat to celebrate, that is opening on budget.
Sapphire Beach Condominiums which opened on February 12, 2010 was constructed in 18 months and completed within budget. This was one of the key points made by principals of the development Philip Tempro and Bjorn Bjerkham at the opening ceremony of the luxury development.
With several project developments in the Caribbean either being subject to high cost overruns or major delays, the accomplishment is a big one for the South Coast property.
The 54 unit condo development was developed with a budget of $50 million and is projected to earn $85 million in foreign exchange for Barbados. Meanwhile taxes for the property are expected to stand at $1 million annually.
Moreover, both Tempro and Bjerkman highlighted that since practical completion there has been an increase in sales for the units at Sapphire Beach. In fact the new construct was described by Bjerkham as “a strong contender in the international market.”
The new property sits on 170 feet of beach front land and features two kidney-shaped swimming pools surrounded by attractive hardscape and external illumination.
These condos have two contemporary design styles and luxurious finishes. The units come with 2 bedrooms or 2 bedrooms and a study and direct beachfront views.
Of the 54 units, there are only 22 units left for sale, and Prime Minister David Thompson who officially opened the residences urged all those prospective buyers to get moving on the transaction process because they are not many left.
The financing for the $50 million project came from the local commercial bank which boasts of being the biggest lender in the market, Barbados National Bank (BNB). In fact BNB carried it’s commitment to the project even further with purchasing two of the units as well.
The project is a joint venture between the Barbados government which owns 49 per cent and the private sector which owns 51 percent. Another principal for the development is Consumers Guarantee Insurance (CGI).
