A part-built sports centre in Blowing Point is set to be demolished more than two years after construction began, having been deemed “unfit for purpose”.
Jeison Bryan, ministerial assistant in the Ministry of Sports, delivered the announcement during a government press conference on 10 November.
He said a larger facility, designed to accommodate more sports and host international competitions, will instead be built on the site.
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The government announced the start of the private donor-funded project – which was set to include a covered basketball court, stands and a paved car park – in May 2023.
Clearing by a private contractor at the site began in June that year, and at the time the facility was expected to be completed “within a three month window” at a cost of US$300,000.
However, according to sports minister Cardigan Connor during parliamentary questions on 28 October, this year, projected costs rose to an estimated $847,365.
“Government would [have been] in a grave deficit of over $500,000, plus the estimated annual maintenance costs of $25,000 to bring the development of this facility to a functional state,” he said.
“The project works were halted as the initial funding was exhausted and the structure remains incomplete and not suitable for use.”
During this week’s press conference, Bryan said the original intention to have a community basketball facility is no longer “appropriate”.
The island does not yet have a court that has the required standards to host regional and international tournaments, he said, adding: “It’s best to invest once and for all.”
He told attendees that along with basketball the new design will also be able to host volleyball players because the height will be increased.
The ministerial assistant said following the procurement process the government selected a California-based company B7 Globals LLC to provide materials at a cost of US$215,000.
“This company will be providing the steel frame, the floor and the seating, the basketball rims and the deployment of two consultants to oversee the site installation process,” he explained.
Half of the payment has been made, another 35% is due on shipment and the final 15% upon arrival on island – projected within the next eight weeks.
The demolition and construction work is still in the procurement stage, “and once it’s finished, obviously we will inform the general public”, Bryan said.
In response to a media question, he said materials from the former construction could be reused, though no decision has yet been made on their purpose.
