Finance

Artist rendering of the new welcome centre at Bellefield Landing Minister Arlington Musgrove unveiled the master plan this week

Bellefield Landing master plan unveiled

– four phased master plan intended to transform North and Middle Caicos

BY DELANA ISLES

Extensive work to transform North and Middle Caicos has been underway for months, and this week the government unveiled a four-phased master plan.

That transformation began with the Bellefield Landing Welcome Centre and Port, for which construction started on July 20, and other modern amenities to be enjoyed by residents and the visiting public.

The plan remains for the welcome centre to be completed by July this year, and during a national address at the beginning of the year, the Premier, Hon. Washington Misick stated that the project is so far within budget and is on time.

This past Tuesday (January 25), Hon Arlington Musgrove - Minister of Immigration and Border Services who is also the representative for North and Middle Caicos - joined his ports team at the North Caicos construction site for the unveiling of the Bellefield Landing master plan.

Hon Musgrove spoke of the potential for further development of the 'twin islands' which would be aided by the transformation of Bellefield Landing.

He said the centre is just the start as they intend to install 16 boat slips.

“I pledged the commitment of my government towards the implementation of the master plan, and starting with the new budget we will be implementing projects based on the master plan.

“I look forward to joining you in July for the opening of the welcome centre and the commissioning of the boat slips.”

LOCAL CONSULTANTS DEVISED THE MASTER PLAN

The Plan was prepared by Conservative Architects - a Turks and Caicos Islands owned company - in consultation with port stakeholders and the community of North and Middle Caicos.

The plan is intended to guide the medium term development of Bellefield Landing.

One of the two owners of Conservative Architects, Clyde Robinson, brought remarks.

“The strategy to develop a port for North Caicos was conceived many years ago, and is well documented.

“Anthony (Walkin) and I are fortunate to have been part of this master planning process.”

He said the benefits to be derived to the residents of North and Middle Caicos and to the surrounding Cays of Turks and Caicos Islands will be tremendous.

“It is important that the proposed developments that are depicted in the masterplan come to fruition.

“The plan will not be perceived as rigid and will be subject to changes, and this enthusiasm and momentum must continue.”

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BELLEFIELD LANDING MASTER PHASING PLAN

A copy of the four-part phasing plan was shared with Weekly News by Director of Ports Delton Jones on Wednesday.

Phase one of the master plan entails a Welcome Centre building which includes a restaurant, offices and more, all of which are under construction.

Other aspects of phase one are: upgrading and extension of the existing ferry and boat dock with berths; dredging of the boat basin and channel and a local boat ramp.

Phase two involves: “Asphalt surfaced staff parking with curbing; mechanical sewage treatment and disposal plant; Ro Ro Ramp; commercial retail buildings (first phase of buildings same side as welcome centre); water sports building; security checkpoints; ancillary asphalt surface parking with curbing for customers; centre canopy for civic and cultural events; fuel dock; and ancillary parking.”

Phase three involves: “Breakwater, layby dock or crane; Bellefield Landing fire station; water plant and viewing gazebos.”

Phase four entails: “Ports authority building; long term parking and full completion of parking; storage buildings; berths for mega yachts and completion of the commercial retail buildings started in phase two.”

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is appealing to any member of public who may have any information on any crimes. They can contact Chalk Sound Police Station on 338-5901 or make use of the confidential reporting system through Crimestoppers on 1-800-8477.