New Category : Roadwork

1.2M Pompey Market To Open December 15

1.2M Pompey Market To Open December 15

Wed, Nov 23rd 2011, 09:04 AM

The  $1.2 million home for nearly 100 merchants is nearly complete, a top executive at Baha Mar can confirm, as five small Bahamian contractors put the finishing touches on the resort's cultural, handicraft hub.

"The project created around 50 jobs, and the total cost of the area was in excess of $1.2 million when you take into [account] design, construction, roads and the five Bahamian contractors," said Robert Sands, the vice president of government and external affairs for Baha Mar.

"Everyone gets a slice of the pie. It would have been easy to give the project to one person."

It might not be the biggest or most grand project for the multimillion-dollar resort, but Pompey Market certainly has a heart.

During a tour of the Cable Beach straw market, Guardian Business was told there are three big units to house the vendors, four individual kiosks, a refreshment and daiquiri stand and an event staging area. The buildings are colorful and spread out on a spacious campus.

Bathrooms and taxi stands are also expected to have a place at the new market. Sands said the staging area will be open to traditional forms of music and dance.

A total of 92 merchants will be housed on the site, many of which "have been doing business in the area as long as the hotels".

"They have always worked in this area," he added.

"I think the reality is it speaks to the cultural entity available on Cable Beach, giving tourists the opportunity to purchase items that are Bahamian. We're improving the environment and giving a little bit more flavor."

Among the merchants and businesses soon to move over to Pompey Market on December 15 is the traditional Daiquiri Shack. Sitting across the street from the Sheraton for more than 10 years, the stand, which blends fresh fruits, has photos, business cards and memorabilia carpeting the walls and roof from its thousands of guests over the years.

The entire market, while not directly tied to the new establishment downtown, will be governed by the same rules and regulations now under final discussions by the government and the incoming board of directors. Counterfeit items and products of insufficient quality will be kept out of the stalls, and instead there is a special focus on wood carving, painting and other handicrafts.

With more than 2,000 rooms included in the rising Baha Mar development, the vendors at Pompey Market stand to be some of the more unlikely beneficiaries of the mega resort.

"We don't want to send them downtown and saturate the market," Sands said.

"They have loyalty and tradition in the area."

The Launch Of Cold Patch Bahamas
The Launch Of Cold Patch Bahamas

Tue, Nov 22nd 2011, 11:34 AM

Festive Season To See An End To Road Works
Festive Season To See An End To Road Works

Sun, Nov 20th 2011, 10:00 PM

'Hard Pressed' Pressed Xmas Concern On Roadworks

'Hard Pressed' Pressed Xmas Concern On Roadworks

Tue, Nov 15th 2011, 10:00 PM

Many Bahamian businesses are expressing concern that New Providence's roadworks will leave them "hard pressed" to enjoy the Christmas sales performance they are used to, a former Chamber of Commerce president yesterday saying there was "real pressure" for the major roads to be opened by the first week in December.

Dionisio D'Aguilar, who told Tribune Business that four of his laundromat sites were being impacted by different portions of the New Providence Road Improvement Project, said businesses were being impacted by"niggly issues", such as forced adjustments to parking lot layouts and elevated sidewalks.

Explaining ...

Roads to reopen for Christmas

Roads to reopen for Christmas

Fri, Nov 11th 2011, 09:00 AM

BEFORE Christmas, the Ministry of Works expects to reopen several "key" roads currently closed for construction.

Portions of Marathon Road, Robinson Road, Baillou Hill Road and the East-West Highway undergoing substantial renovations as part of the New Providence Road Improvement Project (NPRIP) should all be open for traffic by December 20 - the last day the contractors are scheduled to work before taking a Christmas break.

"We're going to have some roadways open prior to Christmas.

"We're working on several key areas. Marathon Road - an additional section was paved just yesterday, traffic will be reallowed on that," said ministry spokesperson Shenique Albury.

"We  ...

Ministry of Works Announces Road Closure on Robinson Road

Ministry of Works Announces Road Closure on Robinson Road

Mon, Oct 31st 2011, 02:36 PM

The public is advised that Beginning Monday, October 31 the eastbound lane of Robinson Road between Baillou Hill Road and First Street will be closed to allow the installation of underground utilities at the junction of First Street and Robinson Road.

Motorists travelling eastbound are advised to use Palm Tree Avenue or Coconut Grove Avenue as alternative routes. It is anticipated that this closure will last 5 to 7 days.