Determined to show the nation that it’s business as usual in the absence of the prime minister, government officials on Tuesday night signed a heads of agreement for a $34 million dollar development in South Eleuthera.
The Powell Pointe project, aimed at rejuvenating Cape Eleuthera, will be undertaken by Cape Eleuthera Properties Limited, a Bahamian company owned and controlled by the Devos family of Michigan.
The project envisions rebuilding the 60 rooms at The Inn at Powell Pointe, officials said. They will also offer two residential options, including estate homes consisting of units between 2,300 and 2,600 square feet. Another option will be beach villas between 1,800 and 2,200 square feet, it was announced.
The development will be undertaken in two phases. The first phase will include among other things site development and 30 of the 60 hotel rooms at the Inn at Powell Pointe.
Fifteen estate homes and 12 beach villas will also be built during this phase along with retail shops and landscaping work, the developer announced at the signing ceremony.
They have also committed to construction a 20-slip marina.
Deputy Prime Minister Cynthia Pratt said that during phase one concentration will also be given to rebuilding the community of Cape Eleuthera.
“Phase one, which will be completed within 24 months of execution of these heads of agreement, will include the donation of 500 acres of property to the Bahamas government and the construction, at its own expense, the town of Cape Eleuthera,” she said.
“It will include a community centre of approximately 4,000 square feet to include space for a library and computer resources centre, a park [and] play ground area to include slides and swings. A basketball court and softball field and a 400 meter track.”
“Upon commencement of construction of the town at Cape Eleuthera, the developers will undertake dredging the causeway within the settlement of Deep Creek for the purpose of bone fishing and the entry and exit of small boats.”
“In consultation with the government, Cape Eleuthera Properties Limited will also donate to the government approximately 100 acres within Cape Eleuthera Property, to be set aside for farming use by residents of South Eleuthera.”
The Deputy Prime Minister indicated that the developers have committed to begin construction on the project within 60 days of the signing of the heads of agreement and upon securing all of the necessary approvals from various government agencies and departments.
She also indicated that Osprey Developers Company Limited of Nassau has been selected to serve as the general contractor and Sean Matthews, also of Nassau, will serve as the project architect.
Authorities estimate that 80 to 100 Bahamians will be employed during the peak of construction and another 80 to 100 Bahamians will be able to find work during the operational phase of Powell Pointe.
Upon Completion of phase one, the developers have committed to commencing phase two, which is to be completed in 48 months of the signing of these heads of agreement.
That phase will include the construction of the remaining 30 hotel rooms making up the Inn at Powell Pointe. The development of 15 more estate homes and 12 additional beach villas will also be completed during this phase.
Richard Devos, a principal at Cape Eleuthera Properties Limited, said the development is an important one for Eleutherans.
“It’s a big day for me and for the people that I work with, many of whom are here today,” he said.
“A lot of work, effort and love have gone into this project and we are very excited about what is going to happen, not just because of the project itself, but because of the impact it is going to have on South Eleuthera and the people we have come to know and be able to call friends of ours.”
By: Perez Clarke, The Bahama Journal
