Baha Mar Development Company plans to start work at Cable Beach in July, according to Robert Sands, Vice President of Administration and External Affairs, and is well on its way to creating an authentic and one of its kind “resort metropolis” that will establish a blueprint for resort development in the Caribbean.
It was projected that in its first full year of operation, from ļ¾ December 2010 to 2011, the resort will contribute nearly $400 million to GDP, adding 6.5 per cent to the Bahamas’ current gross domestic product. In an address to the Bahamas Contractors Association, Mr Sands provided an update on Baha Mar’s progress thus far and revealed that the company is increasing its two billion dollar investment.
“The Baha Mar Development Company Limited will inject in excess of $2 billion in the redevelopment and transformation of Cable Beach: Indeed, we are moving full speed ahead and beginning July 1, which is a few days away, we will be starting work totalling more than $205 million. These works will be completed by local contractors who responded to our call of interest and have all been pre-qualified. It is important to note that we have decided to undertake these works in phases so that there will be minimal disruption to our hotel operations and that the jobs of employees at Cable Beach Resorts will be protected,” he said.
Mr Sands provided information on the opportunities in the project in which Bahamian contractors were able to participate.
He told contractors that in March this year a “call of interest” was issued to invite trade and specialty contractors. In addition, he stated, a “call of interest” was also open for civil engineering works in April 2006. These included more than 100 areas of specialty; asphalt paving, structural steel work, well drilling services, wood-flooring installation, shelving, marina construction, shutter protection and structural steel work.
Interested businesses were invited to complete a pre-qualifcation form, and provide a letter from an insurance company stating the company’ liability limits, as well as a letter from a nationally recognized Surety Company stating the contractor’s available bonding capacity in The Bahamas. They were also required to provide an overview of information, providing capabilities, manpower, equipment that would be of particular use to the project.
“We gave this project extensive promotion in the media, using every avenue, ensuring that Bahamian contractors knew of the opportunities at hand, and took advantage of them.
“We were pleased with the response received from local contractors in New Providence and the Family Islands. Already, we have a pre-qualified list of contractors for a number of projects, including the commercial village, road works and renovations to the Radisson Hotel. Additionally, Baha Mar has awarded more than 85 contracts in the casino and casino towers in all areas from plumbing. electrical, tiling, painting, landscaping and local building supplies with a focus on partnering with small entrepreneurial Bahamian companies,” he said.
To date, Baha Mar has spent $16 million on the improvements and renovations for the Radisson, Wyndham and Nassau Beach Hotels.
There will be an additional $80 million allocated for the renovation of the Radisson Hotel. Some of the renovated features include $1.4 million spent on information systems and 150 rooms added to the Radisson.
Seven million dollars has also been earmarked for a complete renovation of the Crystal Palace Casino in addition to improvements already made to lobbies, restaurants and meeting rooms.
Mr Sands reiterated Baha Mar’s economic impact to the country’s gross domestic product and jobs that this project will generate.
“The Bahamas is poised to become home to the most unique resort destination in the Caribbean. It also means that within its first full year of operation from December 2010 to 2011, the resort will contribute nearly $400 million to GDP, adding 6.5 per cent to the Bahamas’ current gross domestic product.
“The resort will sustain over 5,000 direct permanent jobs at full operation and indirectly generate another 2,525 jobs within suppliers and other parts of the economy for those who have the drive and initiative to offer first class, consistent products and services to Baha Mar in relevant areas of operation,” he said.
The $2 billion project will feature prestigious hotel brands that are internationally renowned, including St. Regis, Sheraton, Westin, W Hotel and Caesars Hotel.
The St Regis will offer a five star, exclusive experience to Baha Mar guests. The hotel will feature 200 rooms, 100 residential condos, Remede Spa and meeting space.
Sheraton will create a 700room hotel with meeting space and easy access to shopping, gaming and the beach.
Westin features a 700-room hotel, centrally located in the podium, the resort corridor at Baha Mar, with easy access to shopping, gaming and the beach. The hotel will also feature meeting space and the Caribbean’s largest spa.
It promises to bring its contemporary and stylish approach to Baha Mar. The 200-room hotel will also include 100 residential condos, Bliss Spa, fitness centre and ultra lounges.
Caesars will be a 1,000-room luxury casino hotel with signature restaurants and entertainment. The hotel will also have the Caribbean’s largest spa, a 100,000 sq. ft. casino, and meeting space.
Nicklaus Design will create a new 18-hole Signature Course, the highest tier of the company’s design offerings. The course, the only one of its kind in Nassau, will be an integral part of Baha Mar’s phase one development. Under the agreement, Baha Mar may commission Jack Nicklaus to create additional Signature courses either on-site or at a convenient off-site location.
Source: The Tribune
