Baha Mar is finalizing the design and physical works behind a 2,000-square-foot convention center, with the aim of having it finished quickly so it can serve as a training and recruitment center.
The $2.6 billion mega resort has enlisted local contractors to perform the appraisal, Guardian Business has learned.
While in the past Baha Mar has indicated the possibility of buildings such as the convention center going to a local contractor, no commitments have been made at this time.
The massive construction site is indeed in a constant state of change, according to Robert Sands, Baha Mar's vice president of administrative and external affairs. Five cranes now dominate the skyline as skeletal foundations continue to rise. The biggest milestone for the development is achieving an elevation of 100 feet on the casino hotel by July 1. But the convention center, attached to this hotel on a superstructure, is significant in the sense that it provides "physical space" for the employees of Baha Mar.
"Until all of the hotels are ready to be occupied, we can't wait until the physical structure is occupied to begin advanced training," Sands explained. "We need advanced teams on a ramp up basis before the fourth quarter of 2014. It is very likely that the convention center will be completed in advance of that, perhaps six months."
While the actual designs are not ready to be revealed, the convention center is expected to be 2,000 square feet, including three ballrooms, one of which can convert into a 2,000 seat entertainment venue. This area can be used for concerts and sports events, Sands told Guardian Business.
"We know the fundamentals. Now we are finalizing the designs to accomplish those parameters. And then as soon as that is done, in not too short order, we can give timing and expectation for completion," he added.
The Baha Mar executive said the convention business will be "substantial" for the mega resort. As a means of comparison, Atlantis continues to rely on group, convention and corporate business as a much needed base to maximize profits and boost occupancy. Special events are also significant for the Paradise Island resort to prop up slower periods.
Sands felt Baha Mar should be able to benefit from corporations and events from both the West and East. The resort is being funded by the Export-Import Bank of China, and built by China State Construction America.
Until the resort is ready for opening in December 2014, he told Guardian Business it should be used "to deal with the volumes of recruitment". Baha Mar is expected to create thousands jobs for Bahamians.
"This makes the ideal location to do this work as a start-up operation," he said. "We need large spaces for this to happen."
Last month, Guardian Business received an exclusive tour of the construction site.
Foundational work, described as the most challenging stage of construction, is well advanced, particularly the massive superstructure on which both the casino hotel and convention center will rest.
China State Construction has poured more than 2,500 yards of concrete over a long, continuous period.
Foundational work for the other properties, including the Rosewood, Morgan's Hotel and Grand Hyatt, has also begun on the 550-acre construction site.
Nearly 400 Chinese workers are currently on-site, said Tiger Wu, the vice president of China State Construction America. This number will begin to swell every month.
Around 2,000 Chinese workers will be on-site between June and February of next year.

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