Barbados’ moves to redeveloping the island’s sporting infrastructure are finally taking shape.
The refurbished Netball Stadium is set to be completed by early January following a short delay caused by unforeseen technical challenges, and work at the National Stadium is continuing apace after a lengthy delay earlier this year.
A Weekend Nation team visited the Waterford, St Michael area this week, for updates on both projects.
Minister Sport Charles Griffith explained that the original late-December deadline for the new $2.8 million Netball Stadium was no longer feasible, but that everything should be completed early in the new year.
“We encountered a few hitches during the project. There was an issue with the footing for the columns that support the roof. However, we were able to rectify the problem, and the project is now back on track,”
Griffith said.
He added that work has commenced on the interior refurbishment of the existing structure.
“We’ve replaced several cupboards that were originally installed and upgraded some of the tiling as well, so the work continues to progress,” Griffith said. “While it’s clear we won’t meet the initial target, we’re now aiming for an early-January completion.”
Despite the delay, Griffith assured that the redevelopment remains within its original budget.
“We’re not over budget because the issues were not caused by us,” he explained. “Any corrective work was done at the builder’s expense, so there has been no financial impact on the project.”
The minister also noted that the rainy season created some inconvenience, though it did not significantly disrupt progress.
“Naturally, the rain had some effect, but not as much as during the initial phase. When we were excavating the footings, water would collect in those areas. Since completing that stage, the rainfall has only created minor wet conditions, but nothing too problematic,” he said.
Once completed, the refurbished multipurpose facility will accommodate netball, volleyball, and basketball competitions, providing a modern venue for athletes and community events.
Meanwhile, work is also advancing on the $80 million redevelopment of the National Stadium, which is scheduled for completion in 2027.
Phase One officially began on September 8, with preliminary construction activities such as excavation for the tower crane’s foundation and preparation for hoarding already underway. Container cubicles have been installed, and essential materials and personnel are on site.
This first phase, located on the western side of the existing stadium, will include seating for 10 000 spectators and the construction of a 400-metre warm-up track – meeting international standards – on the current site of the Barbados Lumber Company.
Phase Two, to be built on the northern side, will add another 10 000 seats, completing the 20 000-capacity facility. A total of 25 Barbadian workers and 15 Chinese workers from the Beijing Construction Engineering Group are on the project.
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