SuperClubs Breezes and Baha Mar have come to a preliminary agreement whereby a small but strategic parcel of land will be exchanged for the construction of a new sewerage plant.  The deal, expected to take full effect in June of next year, involves less than an acre of land currently owned by Breezes. The site is contained within the grounds of the upcoming Casino Hotel for Baha Mar. In exchange, the $2.6 billion mega project plans to demolish Breezes' current sewerage plant on that plot and construct a new facility elsewhere.

John Issa, the chairman of Breezes, called the deal a "fair swap". "We expect to have a new sewerage plant by June and Baha Mar will build it," he told Guardian Business. "It's part of the agreement and we are cooperating with the developing going ahead. Hopefully our operational costs will also be reducing through the building of a more modern and efficient plant."  Located on the fringe of Baha Mar property, Breezes is one of the project's largest and most intimate neighbors.

Vice President of Government and External Affairs at Baha Mar Robert Sands confirmed that they had entered into a preliminary agreement with the resort to facilitate the swap.  He told Guardian Business the price of the new plant is currently being costed, but provided assurances it will be both modern and environmentally sound.  "The existing sewerage plant was on that land was very close to the site for the Casino Hotel," he explained. "We had to remove their existing plant, and by coming to terms, that was the agreement that we would construct a new plant for Breezes."

Issa added that, in keeping with their cooperative relationship, Breezes is eagerly anticipating the opening of Baha Mar. He felt the properties on Cable Beach would be made "exciting", especially with the addition of a "shiny new casino".  Breezes, banking on a value-added inclusive business model, should remain sufficiently different from the various brands flying under the Baha Mar banner, he told Guardian Business. And by offering more options in the area, everyone should ultimately benefit as an overall tourism product.

Issa revealed that plans are still being considered for the addition of 200 more rooms for the Nassau resort. The structural drawings have been approved, but with Baha Mar it was decided to place it on hold.  Breezes is waiting until the giant project is completed before moving forward, partly to avoid yet another construction project in the area. Issa said he is also waiting to see how the Baha Mar project shapes up before pulling the trigger, not to mention measuring the state of the economy.

The 200-room expansion would take place on three tennis courts located right on the beach.
"Either way, without a doubt Baha Mar will help the industry," he said.
"You have to remember the facilities that were there before were not as exciting. The new development will create an excitement."

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian