Developers of the $76 million production studio and movie-based theme park in Grand Bahama were given the official stamp of approval from the Bahamas government yesterday to start construction after two years of debate over environmental issues.
The project was originally approved in principle in May, 2001, under the former FNM administration, and will be divided into a complex three-phase development plan that aims to meet the May 23rd deadline for the beginning of the filming of Pirates of the Caribbean, part two and three.
The first phase of the 3,500-acre facility is a massive environmental clean-up, landscaping and building restructuring that will turn several of the old buildings of the former US missile base into offices.
The next phase will include the first of three sound stages and necessary infrastructure, according to Paul Quigley, CEO of Toronto-based Gold Rock Film Studio and Theme Park.
This third stage of development, for which preparations have already begun, includes excavation for the world’s largest tank, l00-by-80 feet and 12 feet deep.
This excavation into rock caused some delay after questions about environmental safety came from The Bahamas Environment Science and Technology (BEST) Commission, the government’s watchdog for environmental issues in relation to international developments.
Mr Quigley said that with the signed lease, excavation for the tank, which helps maintain a controlled environment on the open seas, will now be able to go below sea level.
Prime Minister Perry Christie and Minister of Financial Services and Investments Allyson Maynard-Gibson, were both present for yesterday’s signing and thanked Mr Quigley for his hard work and commitment.
Mr Christie praised the significant contribution the project will bring to Grand Bahama and the Bahamas on the whole.
“I have found both government and developers have a commitment to protecting the environment,” Mr Christie said, “and without any difficulty we have overcome all setbacks and are happily moving forward.”
Minister Maynard-Gibson added: “We believe that the heads of agreement which provides the facilities and ability for Bahamians to fully express themselves creatively in a myriad of ways they’re involved in the film industry, can now be fulfilled diligently.”
The investment is expected to create about 1,200 jobs and pay out $8 million annually in salaries after investing $6.5 million on wages for about 300 construction workers.
The developer is also committed to securing $250 million in production funding, and forging a partnership with Bahamas Technical Vocational Institute in Grand Bahama.
“It’s been a bit of a long road and a complex deal,” said Mr Quigley, “and I am happy that we have finally signed the deal. I am very excited about the potential of what we are doing. We are very committed to developing an indigenous film industry in the Bahamas.”
Mr Quigley, who has spent more than 35 years in the film industry, said a very important part of the project is the training of Bahamians as opposed to bringing professionals in from abroad.
“In the long term,” he added, “the project would not be successful if reliant on foreigners. There is a huge opportunity for Bahamians in so many different fields in the film industry, and it is a wonderful calling card for us to have the largest Disney franchise of all time being our first production.”
The studios will produce commercials, feature films, TV series, music, in-house productions, and offer a Bahamian village theme park -including actors, and a market square with Bahamian crafts and handiwork. The studios will have viewing galleries so visitors can watch commercials or shows being filmed. In the future the firm plans to offer a 3D Imax theatre and an endangered species area.
Kilah Rolle, The Tribune
March 5, 2005
