The multimillion‑dollar National Stadium rebuild is advancing faster than planned, with Ministry of Sport officials confirming that construction work is already ahead of schedule.
In the final session of the Estimates in the House of Assembly, sports minister Charles Griffith confirmed that the construction effort, led by China State Construction, is progressing steadily towards its long‑term goals.
“I received a report in December last year indicating that China State Construction were well ahead of the schedule,” the minister said, noting that an upcoming site visit will evaluate the latest milestones.
Providing technical context to the progress, sports development officer Stephen Rowe outlined significant advancements in the structural build‑out.
“With respect to the national stadium, they are moving swiftly ahead,” said Rowe, providing a detailed status report. “The concrete superstructure for the grandstand is at 21 per cent completion, overall structural works are at six per cent, and the overall national stadium is at 17 per cent.”
This accelerated pace is particularly crucial for the country’s regional sporting ambitions. Officials reiterated that, based on the current trajectory, the primary goal remains to complete the first phase in time for Barbados to submit a competitive bid for the 2028 CARIFTA Games.
The government is now turning its attention to the complexities of phase two. This secondary stage is comprehensive, involving the critical realignment of Codrington Road to mirror the western grandstand with a new eastern structure.
Rowe highlighted that phase two includes the construction of a warm‑up track. “If you don’t have a warm‑up track, then the international body will not accredit the stadium for use at that level.”.
Ongoing discussions with China aim to determine whether they will continue their partnership into this vital second phase.
In conjunction with the stadium works, authorities provided an update on the neighbouring former netball stadium. Following initial challenges regarding foundation work, the project has regained momentum.
Maintenance supervisor Nicholas Matthias confirmed that roofing and site cladding are complete, with internal outfitting now underway.
“We are aiming for the end of April so that we can have the associations’ access,” Matthias told House lawmakers, adding that the facility is being designed as a multipurpose venue to accommodate basketball and volleyball in addition to netball.
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