Gov’t seeks bids for Prospect Reef development
The government has issued a call for expressions of interest for the long-term development of the Prospect Reef Resort site.
Developers are invited to propose innovative plans for the site, integrating existing architectural and natural features into a high-quality development.
According to the EOI, proposals should include plans for financing, developing, and operating the resort on a long-term basis, exceeding 50 years. The government envisions a four-star or higher-rated hotel offering exceptional service and amenities catering to leisure and business travellers.
The proposed development should feature at least 150 rooms, with a preference for higher capacity, and include modern conference facilities capable of hosting up to 300 delegates. Developers are also encouraged to align their plans with the natural surroundings of the Prospect Reef area and contribute to the broader improvement of the BVI’s tourism sector.
Key considerations for the project include establishing partnerships with reputable, branded hoteliers and incorporating a hospitality training programme, particularly in culinary arts. Additionally, developers are expected to integrate their vision with the surrounding area and consider the granting of incentives under Virgin Islands laws and policies.
Submissions are due by March 3rd, 2025. Once a vibrant attraction in the BVI, the Prospect Reef Resort’s decline has become a serious concern for lawmakers and industry stakeholders. The government’s move to transform the area into a world-class facility with international industry standards comes after Opposition criticism over the stagnation of development progress.
Efforts to revitalise the Prospect Reef Resort have been ongoing since the facility sustained severe damage during the 2017 hurricanes. Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley previously expressed optimism about transforming the site into a state-of-the-art, five-star branded hotel with extensive conference facilities.
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Some Prospect, Sir
Let’s hope it is as successful as the Joe’s Hill housing estate…
Give it back to the Timeshare people along with compensation for the loss when it was stolen from them and they can rebuild it.
Not a good place for a hotel. Already have 2 good business hotels in town anyway. Use the space to build condos, maybe similar to Tobacco Wharf. Then you can wash your hnads of it and not worry about it going broke again.
This makes absolutely no sense at all! The area of land is narrow and on the shoreline with no solid foundation to accommodate 150 rooms with a preference for more (as stated by BVIGOV).
Additionally, the size and scope of a conference facility for 300+ people (inclusive of ancillary services), not to mention restaurants, boutiques, water treatment plant, laundry etc. The site imho is not conducive for this mammoth project scope. Piles would be required ($$$$$), shoreline defense against tidal/storm surge and lack of a ‘beach front’ is another concern.
This should have been an EIO for the development of the site and allow the prospective developers come up with concepts for the use of the site. This won’t be going anywhere soon!
Please read more carefully before you comment.
@Iseeit: in this current format it seems tailored for someone or some company already! A mixed use, small boutique hotel, conference center and amenities rather than a monstrosity that is out of context for the area. As someone else posited, condos is another viable option.
Not shoe-horning an oversized development that is not right for the area! I read the article and found it interesting to say the least!
Another waste of time. They are goung to give this project to some one from their recycle bin who is going to build something that will be an eyesore and non functional, that will serve no purpose. The site is not suitable for what government is proposing. Where there is No Vision the People perish.
UK government should take over this white elephant as a military base for the marines and naval personnel. Enlarge the harbor for larger vessels and construct landing pads for the helicopters. There are 3 BOT’s in this area of the Caribbean so this land would become the base for all the law enforcement and interdiction of criminal smuggler operations in the Leeward and Virgin Islands.
Just a few yards west of the sewage plant
So, what they want is someone with about $ 50 million in cash to design a new facility (that would prob cost half of that in most other places(), knock down the old one, build 150+ 4 star hotel, and a culinary school, hire and train a staff for both, presumably paying BVIslanders $40K a year. And then run the place for the next 50 years, while paying while their guests navigate appalling roads to get there after the third degree from C&I upon arrival.
Besides the wreckage and the land, what exactly has the BVI to offer said investor? Tax free status in a place that already has low taxes won’t cut it. A place for narco dollars maybe?
Who’s going to put forth a plan know the government will be involved, screwing thing up