Government plans to relocate the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) from West Terrace to Queen’s Park have stirred debate among park users, but Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Culture, Senator Shantal Munro-Knight, has sought to reassure the public that the move will enhance, not disrupt, one of Bridgetown’s most treasured green spaces.
“The current plant for the National Culture Foundation in West Terrace is really no longer fit for purpose. Just in terms of the space and the growth of the foundation over the years, as well as just the plant itself, [it] is really in a deteriorated state,” she explained.
She revealed the government’s plans to make culture more accessible in the heart of Bridgetown.
“The movement from West Terrace, moving and bringing that into Bridgetown, into Queen’s Park, is also about accessibility. Creating right in the heart of Bridgetown, a space where people who traverse there, either driving or on foot, can now have access daily, during the day, to a space that they can take in culture, take in the arts,” she explained.
The minister stressed that regular park patrons would not be forced out. “It will not in any way displace people there who come to enjoy the park. In fact, that’s what we want. We want to build a space where even more Barbadians will be able to come and interact and do useful things,” she said.
The new headquarters will be developed in phases, with plans including an interactive wall of artists, an expanded cultural arena for performances, and the Marcus Garvey Amphitheatre.
“We want to encourage people, schools, et cetera, to be able to put on plays, evening performances and those sorts of things in the area,” Munro-Knight said. A café open during the day is also planned.
While she acknowledged there “might be a little bit of a displacement in terms of even parking space”, the minister said there will be “no displacement for people who want to be able to come in and enjoy Queen’s Park”.
“In fact, what will happen is that it will be enhanced,” she added.
The existing West Terrace site will not be abandoned: “The space at the NCF in West Terrace will still be used there…. It could be used for greater rehearsal spaces. That’s one of the things that we don’t have. Many groups across the island don’t have access to rehearsal spaces.”
The move is part of the government’s broader plan to boost cultural spaces across the country, including the National Performing Arts Centre at Newton and an amphitheatre at the Botanical Gardens.
“We are really building out spaces for culture, for the arts, to give not only those that are involved in the sector greater opportunity, greater space as well, but also for people as well to be able to participate,” Senator Munro-Knight said. (LG)
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