Contract signed: final plans and design to evolve

Ms. Sue Courtney signs on behalf of GOP

On August 4th, 2010, the Ministry of Tourism Civil Aviation and Culture, BTB and the STP team Cemented the vision to upgrade and manage the tourism infrastructure of the Fort George Area and weave it into the urban fabric of Belize City life through investment under the Sustainable Tourism Program (STP). The task of planning a Vibrant sustainable urban space centered on commerce, recreation, Belizean heritage and tourism has been awarded to Spanish architecture firm, GOP. Local representative Ms. Sue Courtney signed the Bz$399,000 contract on behalf of the company expressing her excitement and commitment to such a worthy and challenging project.

As the names suggests, the Fort Point Pedestrian Walk aims to improve the safety of pedestrians and enhance the aesthetic appearance and image of the core tourism area from the Tourism Village to the historic Swing Bridge. Through urban design principles and beautification, traffic controls, security, and enhanced open space and waterfront, it is hoped that the pedestrian walk will kick-start the revitalization of Belize City, converting the city into a focal point for private sector investments and a quality destination for tourism.

GOP was selected following a lengthy procurement process using IDB procedures for quality and cost based selection, in which expressions of interest were received from a total of 15 local and international firms. GOP has participated in urban planning projects worldwide and has received international recognition for their dedication to sustainable design. This extensive experience in urban renewal will be supplemented by four Belizean professionals contributing local knowledge and expertise, in addition to ongoing discussion and dialogue with all key stakeholder.

CEO Mike Singh, Ministry of Tourism Civil Aviation and Culture and Ms. Sue Courtney, representing GOP, sign the contract for the technical studies and architectural design of Fort Point Pedestrian Walk, in the presence of the STP Team (from left to right: Terry Wright, Mr. Noel Jacobs and Christy Mastry.)

The planning initiative is scheduled to close at the end of the year with the completion of the final design plans. Construction of the four million Belize dollar investment is slated for early 2011.