By
Rebecca Gibson |
Tortola Pier Park (TPP) in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) is to officially open on 22 December 2015.
Featuring green spaces and commercial, retail and entertainment facilities, TPP has been built as part of the BVI Port Authority’s US$35 million Cruise Pier Expansion Project, which was officially opened on 29 April with a call from Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Getaway.
Work started June 2014 and all but one of the buildings are expected to be completed by the end of November.
“This is one of the biggest projects in the history of the BVI and completing a project of this magnitude in 18 months was a challenging task,” said Dion Stoutt, project manager. “However, my team and I, despite various delays, have been able to execute this project to the best of our abilities and we anticipate completion of all the buildings – with the exception of building five – by 30 November 2015.”
TPP will have retail stores, commercial and office space, conference facilities, indoor and outdoor event areas, dining venues and live entertainment. The park will also offer free wifi access throughout, and advertising spaces for local businesses.
In total, 54 businesses have already been approved to lease premises in TPP including international companies and 50 firms owned by BVI ‘belongers’ and islanders. These businesses will sell locally made goods such as souvenirs, clothing, jewellery, footwear, leather goods, food and beverages, eyewear, perfumes and cosmetics, and more. Other outlets will include a post office and a medical services facility. A full list of the stores can be found here.
“For us to be able to reach this point in the development and complete this great cruise and shopping facility, that will undoubtedly be the envy of cruise ports throughout the region, is something that we are really proud of,” said Dona Regis, CEO at TPP. “The Tortola Pier Park will be a great asset to the territory’s cruise and tourism sector and will play an integral role in propelling the BVI forward.”