Government plans to renovate the former government administration building and its annex at the Sir Olva Georges Plaza, but no firm timeline has been set for the project, according to Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley.
The historic building complex, which in the recent past has housed the post office and several other government agencies, was already struggling with air-quality issues and other problems before it was badly damaged by hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.
Now, preliminary restoration works are expected to start soon, according to the premier.
“The Office of the Deputy Governor requested funding in the 2024 budget to shore up the external facade of the building that is now creating a hazard for pedestrians and vehicles,” Dr. Wheatley said recently in the House of Assembly in response to a question from opposition member Marlon Penn. “This work will commence shortly following the necessary procurement arrangements.”
Renovations are also coming soon to the old administration building’s annex, which will be used by the Archives and Records Management Unit to house historical archives dating back to the 19th Century, he said.
“Moreover, repairs to the roof of the old administration building will be undertaken,” the premier told the HOA on May 2. “A tender is expected to be issued shortly.”
In addition to these works, the Deputy Governor’s Office plans to work with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development to develop a proposal for the full restoration of the old administration building itself, according to the premier.
“This will require a team of engineers and architects that specialise in the restoration of historical buildings to establish the design components and determine the best use for the building as well as the overall cost associated with additional restoration works,” he said.
No timeline
Asked by Mr. Penn for a timeline for the renovations and repairs, the premier replied that he did not have a specific timeline.
“As soon as we get the procurement information together and requests for proposals go out¬ — or an open tender, as the case may be — we’ll have a little bit more information in terms of when the job actually can be completed,” Dr. Wheatley said. “And I promise to update the honourable House on this in short order.”
Secured?
In a follow-question, Mr. Penn (R-D8) said he had seen “a young man living in that building” and asked if the premier would commit to securing the facility and working with the minister of health and social development to assist the man.
The premier replied, “I’m informed that the building is secure already, and the gentleman is actually on the porch of the building.”
He added that it would be “appropriate for the minister of health to get together with his team and to see what support can be provided to the individual.”