New fisheries complex could break ground in 2027

Construction of a new fisheries complex at the Omar Hodge Fisherman’s Wharf could begin during the first half of 2027, according to BVI Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) Director of Programme Delivery Shaina Smith-Archer.

Smith-Archer said the project remains at the preliminary design stage, with officials now preparing to incorporate feedback received from fishers and other stakeholders.

“We are looking at once we consolidate all of the comments or feedback in terms of looking at if there are any changes, we go into final design,” Smith-Archer told a public meeting.

She said the final design should be completed by November, after which officials will begin contracting for construction.

“So you’re looking at works to begin in the first quarter, second quarter of next year,” Smith-Archer stated.

The proposed complex will occupy part of the open space at the Omar Hodge Fisherman’s Wharf in Baughers Bay. Some land reclamation will be required to accommodate the building and provide parking.

The facility is intended to receive, process, store and facilitate the retail sale of locally caught fish and seafood. Plans include a loading bay, processing and packing areas, a laboratory, a blast freezer and holding freezer, an ice plant, staff facilities and a dockmaster’s office.

The project will also provide a dock where fishers can unload their catch. The dock will include a lower section to accommodate vessels of varying heights.

The proposed facility is smaller than the former fisheries complex damaged during hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. Officials said the equipment would be upgraded to compensate for the more limited building space.

The facility is expected to handle between 5,000 and 10,000 pounds of fish weekly, although officials said it would operate primarily as a “drop and go” location. Fishers would unload their catch, collect ice and leave rather than berth their vessels for extended periods.

Smith-Archer said the RDA signed a contract with WDMO Group in March 2026 to serve as the design consultant. The agency received a second preliminary design and cost estimate shortly before the public meeting.

Officials will now ask the consultant to finalise the design and produce an updated construction estimate. The project’s total cost was not disclosed.

Questions raised during the meeting included the proposed building’s location, limited parking, fuel availability, docking arrangements, storage capacity and the possibility of a public-private partnership to operate the facility.

Smith-Archer said the feedback would be considered before the project advances.

“If there are any major changes coming into final design, we’ll be definitely communicating back to you guys as the key stakeholders,” she stated.