The Tribune

By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

THE Town Planning Committee’s chairman yesterday said it has approved a $300m New Providence project that aims to create some 500 new jobs.

Adrian White, who has also just been named as the FNM’s St Ann’s candidate in the upcoming general election, told Tribune Business that the Albany West expansion on to property that previously formed part of the South Ocean resort has been given the go-ahead.

“The Town Planning Committee made a decision on the application before it and distributed the official position to the developer, and that I know has been received by the developer,” he said.

“I know that the Department of Physical Planning, on behalf of the Town Planning Committee, distributed a letter to the developer. I can say that the Albany project was approved; the application that was before the committee was approved.”

Albany executives could not be reached for comment yesterday. The project, which will feature eight beachfront properties and two condo/hotel buildings with 24 units per building, is projected to feature $300m in construction costs and create some 500 jobs when completed. Future phases on the South Ocean site could take the workforce up to 2,000 strong.

The southwestern New Providence development will first transform the waterfront of the former 363-acre South Ocean site via the demolition of existing structures connected to the old resort and their replacement with a clubhouse, condominiums, associated amenities and beachfront lot sales to homeowners seeking to purchase their own real estate.

The project’s Environmental Baseline Survey, which was prepared by Caribbean Coastal Services and approved by the newly-named Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP) on August 5, 2020, disclosed that the construction workforce will quickly triple as Albany West goes through the gears.

“The project site totals 16 acres of land located along South West Bay Road and South Ocean Boulevard in the western district on the island of New Providence. The site is inclusive of the former South Ocean Resort and casino, and the Stuarts Cove Dive Shop,” Caribbean Coastal Services wrote.

“Phase 1B of the Albany West project entails the demolition of remaining infrastructure at the evacuated Stuart Cove site and adjacent lot, and the construction of condo units, club house and pool,” it added.

“This phase will also include the reclamation of the approximately 0.7 acre marina, and is estimated to utilise approximately 17,347 cubic yards of uncompacted fill (compacted volume 30,000 cubic yards). A golf cart path will be constructed to provide access from the current Albany west gate to the newly developed Albany West residential area and condos.”

Caribbean Coastal Services added that the marina reclamation “will not include the entrance channel” and only the marina basin proper. It added: “The dive company has intentions of moving from its current location and will relocate its business prior to commencement of demolition activities.”