Story published in the Trinidad Express on Saturday 24th October, 2020.
THE GOVERNMENT of the REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO (GoRTT) has begun plans to deliver on the revitalisation of urban spaces in Trinidad and Tobago, Planning Minister Camille Robinson-Regis announced yesterday.
“The TCPD is currently addressing the concerns of developers and applicants for planning permission regarding allowable uses and existing site development standards applied to areas within Port of Spain and its suburbs.” – The Hon. Camille Robinson-Regis, MP
Work has been ongoing since the 2019-2020 fiscal year in the South, with the San Fernando Waterfront Redevelopment Project. Widening of carriageways, relocation of bus service provider PTSC, clearing of land and other infrastructural work near the San Fernando waterfront area are being undertaken by the Ministry of Works and Transport, WASA, the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (UDeCOTT), the San Fernando City Corporation and other agencies, the Minister said in a statement yesterday.
The Ministry of Planning and Development will also be working with UDeCOTT on a project focusing on the revitalisation of Port of Spain. The aim is to create a rebirth of the capital city through collaboration and the implementation of policies and plans that would see the recognition of the Historical District in which the Red House is located as well as redevelopment of the commercial centre, the Ministry said.
Projects will be developed using public-private partnerships (PPP) and some of the proposed projects and sites include:
- City Gate Development
- Colville Street Development – the PowerGen site
- Picadilly Development Project
- Salvatori Building Project
- The Foreshore Green Park Development
- The Memorial Plaza Project
The Town and Country Planning Division (TCPD) of the Ministry of Planning will play a key role in the development of these plans which will have significant effects on the land use policy and development standards for Port of Spain, the statement said.
“The TCPD is currently addressing the concerns of developers and applicants for planning permission regarding allowable uses and existing site development standards applied to areas within Port of Spain and its suburbs. Of particular concern are building coverage, site coverage, building height, and urban density.”
Proposals are being considered for the current allowances of up to six floors in midtown and downtown Port of Spain to be increased, facilitating more compact development and allowing for more inclusion of vertical spaces, the Ministry added.
