Concept drawing for the Lolo modules on the Marigot waterfront.
MARIGOT–The Marigot Lolos, Marina Port la Royale, the courthouse plaza, public lighting and the possible transformation of the former Omnisports Hall into a concert and conference venue were all subjects touched on during President Gibb’s third new year wishes speech in Marigot on Thursday.
On public lighting, although temporarily restored and despite intervention on a continual basis for maintenance, he disclosed the infrastructure underground had been severely damaged by flooding, causing recurring breakdowns.
“To modernize the entire network, in 2019 we will launch a global energy performance contract for which we have earmarked more than 3 million euros over the next three years,” he said. He also clarified separately that public lighting is included in the Boulevard resurfacing project in Grand Case at the end of the month.
The state of Marina Port La Royale was also addressed. In the medium term, a major restructuring programme for the Marina as part of a public-private partnership will be launched to make it an essential part of the heart of Marigot. In the meantime, as part of the Delegation Service Publique (DSP) authority, repairs to the deck and public spaces in the coming months will be carried out for more than 1 million euros.
“The project manager is working to prepare this global rehabilitation of the Marina, but in the meantime – because the state of abandonment is no longer bearable – we will temporarily fit out the docks,” Gibbs explained. “I know that some have criticized the project for changing the deck boards and laying artificial turf, but It is a temporary option that will meet the needs until we can do better. The operators of this sector have waited long enough, and I now want to speed up the process so that the Marina will be as welcoming as possible for the next tourist season.”
In the market area of the waterfront, a new space has been set aside for Lolos and shops to be launched in February.
“We will relocate the occupants in specially designed modules,” Gibbs disclosed. “This small village will be located between the statue of the market and the fish market. There are 14 restaurants equipped with kitchens and surrounded by shaded tables, three bars, and a storage area. We will also install six shops arranged in the continuity of the ferry terminal.
“My priority, and that of my team, is to be able to relocate the operators of the market so they can continue their activity and thus be able to offer tourists an arranged and welcoming space for the next tourist season. I would like to thank those who have taken it to heart to carry out the work of rehabilitating their property, but I deeply regret the voluntary abandonment of certain land or dwellings to the detriment of our history and the attractiveness of the area.”
One of the first projects to be launched this year is the 400,000-euro beautification project for the courthouse and Post Office plaza, and the Methodist Church, in the centre of Marigot. On the plaza itself, large trees will be planted, street benches will be installed and a canopy will be built to protect the public from the sun and bad weather. The biggest project concerns the Methodist church which will be completely restored and renovated.
A call for bids for the restoration of Fort Louis will be launched this year as well. In addition to the restoration of the fort, installation of a reception building at the foot of the Fort to welcome and inform tourists is envisaged.
Rue de Hollande is also in line for a make-over this year. The first set of works will involve developing the intersection of Howell Center shopping centre and at Hameau de Pont intersection near the bridge. That will be followed by widening of the Rue de Spring crossroads and finally the development of a new pedestrian area in front of Louis Vanterpool Stadium.
A future project is the possible transformation of Galisbay Omnisports Hall into a concert hall to host concerts and conferences and to have a dedicated place for major annual events.
“This is a beautiful project that still requires a great deal of preparation and definition,” Gibbs said. “We want to make it a reality during this term of office, but I remain cautious because it requires above all substantial funding. I am convinced that St. Martin needs a structure like this. So, we are working to make this project possible by 2022.”
Gibbs concluded by noting that definition studies are in progress for the main waterfront project in Marigot. It is being carried out by Port of Galisbay which should be launching the first calls for tender at the end of 2019.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/84767-president-gibbs-divulges-new-plan-for-the-lolos-on-marigot-waterfront
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