The government has unveiled its vision for the redevelopment of The Strip food court in The Valley aimed at improving facilities for both vendors and visitors.
The plans were presented publicly for the first time on 20 July at a consultation led by economic development minister Kyle Hodge in the government headquarters.
Residents, business owners and other stakeholders were invited to ask questions, share ideas and provide feedback on the proposed redevelopment.
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Architects Raul ‘Nyne’ Vanterpool and Carl Richards went on to share their vision and proposed concept drawings for the redevelopment of the area.
In attendance via video link were Premier Cora Richardson Hodge, the minister responsible for social security, social development minister Shellya Rogers-Webster, and Navine Fleming, chair of the Anguilla Social Security Board.
Also joining the meeting were permanent secretary Jacqueline Bryan Niles, principal assistant secretary Kendell Richardson, and principal assistant secretary Travis Carty.
“The consultation provided a valuable opportunity for residents and stakeholders to ask questions, share ideas and provide feedback that will help shape the future redevelopment,” a government post said.
It added that the project will support economic growth, strengthen the business community and contribute to the long-term revitalisation of Anguilla’s capital.
Speaking in a Facebook comment, Hodge said the redevelopment is in its “very early” stages, adding that designs are “conceptual only”.
The Strip is a multi-property food and drink court and social hub that was established more than 15 years ago along the northern edge of Lonesome Road in The Valley.
Businesses operating there include Good Korma, Ken’s BBQ, Mickey’s on The Strip, Sharpy’s Shake Shack, Blackers, Hunters Food and others.
Most of the buildings are constructed from lightweight materials, such as wood and corrugated iron.
In February 2018, the Executive Council approved the allocation of a 400 foot by 100 ft strip of land behind the existing site for further development, subject to planning permission.
That July, then infrastructure minister Curtis Richardson said he planned to request around EC$1 million in funding for the development from the Anguilla Social Security Board.
He said he wanted to create a brand new food court, adding: “The time has come to make Anguilla a decent and proud place.”
In its Strategic Transformation Plan 2019-2021, published in 2020, the Anguilla Social Security Board said it intended to “develop an aesthetically pleasing, sanitary, economically viable food court/market place”.
However, the project appeared to have stalled with no further progress reported since.
Anguilla Focus has reached out to both the Ministry of Economic Development and the Anguilla Social Security Board for further details and is awaiting responses.
