GREAT BAY--Government is envisioning a major transformation of Clem Labega Square into an elevated public park and amphitheater above a multi-level parking facility, while the Cole Bay Hill flagpole lookout could be developed into a formal cultural attraction with safer access, visitor facilities and opportunities for local vendors.
The plans were outlined by Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication, TEATT, Grisha Heyliger-Marten in information provided to Parliament ahead of the Budget 2026 debate which begins on Thursday. The two projects account for a combined Cg 19 million, or approximately 55 percent of the Ministry’s 2026 capital program, according to the parliamentary questions submitted on the projects.
The proposed Clem Labega Square Revitalization Project would substantially change the existing square in Philipsburg.
The Minister explained that the concept calls for a modern public space consisting of an elevated park and amphitheater integrated with a multi-level parking facility. The project would also include improved taxi and bus stands, upgraded pedestrian circulation, vending kiosks, redesigned entrances, digital parking systems and weather-resistant construction.
The project is intended to address two longstanding issues in Philipsburg: the deteriorated condition of Clem Labega Square and the shortage of structured parking in the capital. Concept design documentation has been prepared at the policy level, but formal architectural drawings, engineering designs and feasibility studies have not yet been commissioned. Those would follow once the capital allocation is confirmed.
Government expects the project to contribute to the wider revitalization of Philipsburg by improving the visitor experience, increasing pedestrian activity and supporting businesses in the capital.
The planned parking facility is also expected to generate direct revenue through a concession arrangement with a third-party operator. That operator has not yet been selected and would be responsible for managing the parking facility for a fee.
Government also expects additional economic benefits through increased parking capacity, better access to commercial areas and additional event-driven activity generated by the proposed amphitheater.
Project dates back to 2024 revitalization initiative
The Clem Labega Square project was initiated in 2024 as part of the broader Philipsburg Revitalization Initiative developed within TEATT. According to the Minister, the initiative responded to longstanding concerns about the condition of Philipsburg, its parking deficit and the need to strengthen the capital as a tourism and commercial center.
Government cited World Bank recovery and resilience reports and the Tourism Recovery Strategy as supporting the need for intervention. Those assessments identified urban deterioration, traffic congestion and inadequate public infrastructure among the constraints affecting economic growth and visitor satisfaction in Philipsburg.
Consultations were also held as part of wider Philipsburg beautification and revitalization efforts, involving promotional boards, business associations and the general public. According to the Minister, feedback repeatedly highlighted the need for better public spaces, structured parking and improved pedestrian movement.
Cole Bay Hill could become formal visitor attraction
Government is also proposing to transform the Cole Bay Hill flagpole lookout into a structured cultural and tourism attraction. The concept includes safe walkways, stairs, ramps, guardrails, lighting and landscaped areas, as well as a purpose-built visitor center offering cultural displays and historical information.
The project would improve access to a location that has developed into a popular stop for visitors because of its panoramic views.
The flagpole itself was erected by the Ministry of VROMI following Hurricane Irma in 2017 as a symbol of national resilience. As visitor interest in the lookout increased, discussions about formally developing the location began as early as 2018 among the Ministries responsible for tourism, General Affairs and Education, Culture, Youth and Sport.
The Tourism Recovery Strategy also identifies the restoration and improvement of cultural landmarks, scenic locations and visitor lookout points as part of strengthening St. Maarten’s tourism product.
The Minister described the Cole Bay Hill site as a high-traffic scenic stop for island tours and said its development would support tourism while strengthening the presentation of national heritage.
The Cole Bay Hill project, however, faces an important unresolved issue. The site is located on privately owned land, and although government has held preliminary discussions with representatives of the family that owns the property, no formal agreement has yet been reached concerning development rights.
The Minister said those discussions have been constructive, but detailed feasibility studies, architectural drawings and engineering work cannot proceed until government secures a formal arrangement with the estate representatives.
As a result, the project remains in the preparatory stage. The preliminary scope currently includes improved access to the flagpole, wheelchair-accessible pathways, basic beautification of the immediate area and small vending kiosks intended to create opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
Government believes the Cole Bay Hill attraction could eventually generate direct revenue through visitor access fees. Using annual visitor numbers of approximately 2.3 million, an assumed visitation rate of 15 percent and an entrance fee of Cg 1.80, the Ministry estimates potential annual revenue of approximately Cg 621,000.
The Minister also expects the project to improve visitor safety and strengthen St. Maarten’s cultural tourism offering. Government stressed, however, that these potential benefits remain dependent on obtaining formal access to the land.
Projects selected for tourism and economic impact
The Minister said Clem Labega Square was prioritized because of the critical parking shortage in Philipsburg, the condition of the existing square and the need for supporting infrastructure as part of the capital’s revitalization.
Government views investment in Philipsburg as important to improving mobility, strengthening the tourism economy and upgrading public spaces.
The Cole Bay Hill project was prioritized because of the unsafe condition of the current access route, continued visitor demand and the symbolic significance of the flagpole.
While Parliament questioned why the two projects were prioritized over deferred infrastructure, statistical and enforcement investments, the Minister maintained that both address structural shortcomings that affect economic activity, public safety or the visitor experience.
The submitted response did not separately explain why the projects appear under the strategic goal concerning economic emergency relief for vulnerable consumers.
Procurement for both projects is expected to follow the National Accountability Ordinance and applicable public procurement requirements. Competitive tendering is expected for architectural and engineering services, construction work and the installation of technical systems. Procurement can begin once the necessary capital funding is secured and project authorization is issued.
Government has not yet provided detailed final designs or construction specifications for either project. The estimate for the Cole Bay Hill attraction remains preliminary, while the more detailed design, dimensions, materials and final costing will depend on completion of the preparatory process and, critically, an agreement with the landowners.
