In partnership with the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP), Cotton Bay Holdings Limited recently hosted a Public Consultation Meeting to discuss its project. The notice of the meeting outlined, “The project entails the construction of a mixed-use resort and residential development and addresses 220 acres of land located within the constituency of South Eleuthera.”
 
Chaired by Dr. Rhianna Neely-Murphy, Director of the Department of Environmental Planning & Protection (DEPP), the meeting was hosted both virtually and in person at the Eleuthera Business Hub in Rock Sound, Eleuthera and was well attended by members of the community and concerned persons. In addition to the DEPP, there were presentations made by Cotton Bay Holdings Limited and by Waypoint Consulting Ltd., the environmental consultant of record for the project. 
 
In keeping with the government’s approval process for the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), the meeting provided an opportunity for public feedback and questions. The process for submitting further comments and questions was also outlined; the same can be sent to the DEPP in writing at cec@depp.gov.bs, and to the developer’s environmentalist of record at info@cottonbayholdings.com.
 
Daniel Zuleta, Project Director for Cotton Bay Holdings Limited, gave an overview of the highly anticipated resort project describing the company’s vision as “to bring back the iconic Cotton Bay Club heritage, elevating it to an ultra luxury standard.”
 
The transformative project is envisioned as an open-air ultra-luxury resort that will redefine opulence and provide an unrivaled hospitality experience. It will feature a 90-room Ritz-Carlton Reserve hotel set amidst the breathtaking beauty of South Eleuthera and will also encompass 60 Ritz-Carlton Reserve branded residences, featuring a blend of two to five-bedroom villas. Luxury amenities will include signature restaurants, a lavish spa, swimming pools and an 18-hole Championship golf course.
 
Zuleta also outlined the project's three-phased approach, commencing with a five-month road construction and development phase, followed by a two-year project construction period, scheduled to conclude by January 2026, and culminating in the resort's operational phase. Furthermore, attendees were presented with a master plan for the resort, providing a detailed layout for the hotel, residences, golf course, and various amenities and features.
 
Describing the impact of the $200 million investment, Mr. Zuleta outlined the project's scope and unveiled key figures, including the creation of 300 direct employment opportunities during the 24-month construction phase, with estimated wages exceeding $8 million annually. Once operational, the project anticipates sustaining over 200 direct employment opportunities, contributing more than $10 million in annual wages. He also revealed the engagement of local consultants and contractors, including Waypoint Consultants, Caribbean Civil Group, N&M Architects and Oracle Business Partners as part of the project's collaborative approach to community development.
 
A comprehensive overview of the upcoming road construction initiative was also delivered by Natasha Nixon, the Procurement and Logistics Lead for Cotton Bay Holdings. Affirming the project’s firm commitment to preserving the authenticity of the local community, Ms. Nixon reassured attendees that the existing road would not be closed until the completion and handover of the new road to the Government, which will retain the name "Chris Brown Boulevard."
 
Ms. Nixon added, “We're widening the road from 20ft to 40ft and meeting state-of-the-art technical standards. This upgraded road will include clear markings, public lighting, a pathway for exercise enthusiasts, and enhanced drainage. We're also improving Cocoplum Drive, relocating it closer to the beach to preserve public beach access.”
 
The team also spoke to local employment opportunities confirming its commitment to advertising vacancies and working alongside the Department of Labour to create jobs in Nassau and Eleuthera. “In collaboration with Marriott International, our partner, we will provide insights into available positions, career programs, and operational plans, emphasizing our dedication to community growth and development,” added Ms. Nixon.
 
Melissa Alexiou, Director for Waypoint Consulting Ltd., provided attendees with key insights into the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the South Eleuthera development, emphasizing its thorough examination of potential ecological impacts and its commitment to sustainable best practices. She also highlighted the rigorous mitigation measures and community engagement strategies incorporated into the EIA, demonstrating a dedicated approach to responsible development in harmony with the environment and the local community.
 
About Cotton Bay Holdings Ltd.
Cotton Bay Holdings Ltd. is based in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and has played an active part in the country’s local economy for more than 25 years, as owner of the Cotton Bay Club and the Cotton Bay Golf Course. As the developers for the Cotton Bay Ritz-Carlton Reserve, the company currently generates 34 direct employments, which will increase during the future construction and operation of the resort development.