Kerzner International, which operates the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island, and Cavalier Construction signed a $55 million deal on Wednesday for the expansion of the resort’s conference center.
The expansion is a significant element of the billion-dollar phase III extension that is underway.
Kerzner executives sealed the pact anticipating that the Tax Information Exchange Agreement [TIEA] that The Bahamas has with the United States will increase the amount of group bookings at the property. Under the agreement, offshore conferences are tax deductible for a U.S. taxpayer.
Chief Operations Officer at Kerzner International Nan Pallmer said in the past the company has been restricted because there was insufficient space to host various large groups.
“With the expansion, Kerzner International could cater to a broader market attracting larger groups who will eventually turn into return guests seeking to experience the full experience of the resort,” she said.
The current conference center features a 25,000 square foot grand ballroom which can accommodate 2,700 persons.
The expanded facility will feature a 50,000 square foot imperial ballroom, the largest in The Bahamas and the Caribbean region, and 30,000 square feet of pre-function space.
In addition the center will have 30 break-out rooms, a boardroom, a large staging area and a new banquet kitchen with additional pantries.
The new conference center will have the capacity to accommodate 5,000 guests.
Richard Wilson, CEO of Cavalier Construction, a local company appeared enthusiastic about being offered the chance to expand the conference center.
“The contract will be challenging but nevertheless my company is up for the task,” he said.
Prime Minister Perry Christie, this week at the opening of Marina Village, applauded the Kerzner officials for using Bahamian companies on its expansion project.
Mr. Wilson indicated that during the construction phase 120 persons will be engaged and towards the end that number will likely double, to some 250 persons.
Rick Bodge, senior vice president of Kerzner International Development pledged the company’s commitment to securing Bahamian companies as sub contractors.
He indicated that out of the $106 million in construction contracts, Marina Village used 50 percent Bahamian sub-contractors and the Harbourside Resort project employed all local labour.
Mr. Bodge also addressed a long-term goal.
“Very soon, Kerzner International will partner with the Department of Labour and the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institution to commence training programmes in specified areas in the construction field where very little Bahamians are qualified,” he said.
By: Bianca Symonette, The Bahama Journal
