Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has announced that government has entered a contract with the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago, to develop a master plan for the revitalisation of Port ofSpain by identifying projects in both private and public sector which would stimulate development in the Capital City.

Dr. Rowley was speaking at a forum on Monday entitled ‘Spotlight on Urban Development – The Revitalisation of Port of Spain’.

“For decades, the City of Port of Spain has been experiencing considerable urban decay. This condition has manifested itself in a myriad of challenges such as reduced private sector investment, depopulation, abandonment and decrepit infrastructure, unemployment, destitution and high levels of crime,” the PM lamented. 

He said it was because of these “adverse” conditions that it was imperative government embark on such a project.

Prior to entering into any project under the arrangement referred to here, UDeCOTT submit a specific proposal to Cabinet for approval.

 The Revitalisation of Port of Spain Project will be executed by UDeCOTT in conjunction with the Ministry of Planning and Development.

The master plan identifies the following projects as catalyst projects to be implemented via Public Private Partnerships (PPP) for the revitalisation efforts: 

(i)      Memorial Plaza Development –      Development of the UDeCOTT-owned property located at Keate Street and south of Memorial Block to house a Mixed-Use Complex inclusive of residential, commercial, office, parking and recreational spaces
 
(ii)     Development of the Salvatori Site –      This project is in the planning stage of development
 
(iii)    Piccadilly Street Development

–      This project is before the Cabinet for approval for UDeCOTT to proceed with an RFP and determination of the funding source

 
(iv)   PowerGen Site Development –      Development of the stated-owned, former site of the Power Generation Company located at Wrightson Road
 
(v)     City Gate Development

–      A concept is to be developed for the revitalization of City Gate
  
(vi)   Foreshore Green space

–      This project would include the expansion of green areas involving land reclamation at the Foreshore at Mucurapo