PoS slums to be transformed into Eastbridge

The HDC recently released the document to the public. This followed protests by residents of East Port-of-Spain who fear they will be displaced by the project. The HDC in its draft plan said there is a view that the area is on the decline, has lost its appeal, and is currently unattractive for living and working. The company said a band-aid approach to redevelopment is inadequate, and only a bold move would work.

“The main approach is to pay close individual attention to the design of the basic building blocks that create a strong neighbourhood.”

A real sense of community and security can be created, said the HDC, by arranging the residential blocks in clusters with controlled access. The draft plan said the redevelopment consists of three areas - Blocks 1, 2 and 3. In total the company plans to build 2,000 new residences and provide 300,000 square feet of commercial space as well as parking for 2,000 vehicles.

The HDC plan suggested the area be renamed Eastbridge.

The Bus Route is a part of South Quay and environs, “Block Three”, which will contain 700 housing units located on two acres of green land. There will be high-rise buildings from six to ten storeys in height, plus buildings of two to four storeys high. Also in Block Three will be 40,000 square feet commercial area, plus parking for 600 cars.

“Block Two”, which covers Besson Street and environs, will have 200 units contained in buildings of three to four storeys high and located on two acres of land.

Nelson Street and Environs forms “Block One” which will have 1,100 units built in blocks of four to five storeys, located on five acres of green space. There will also be 250,000 square feet of commercial space, plus 1,500 parking spaces.

The report spells out the existing weakness of each area, and proposed improvements.

Block Three consists mainly of large dilapidated commercial and light-industrial structures, plus a small residential community and a multi-storey apartment block.

“The lack of basic facilities such as adequate parking, open space and secure boundaries makes these communities weak in design,” the report stated.

The new plan for Block Three has apartments clustered around a courtyard to encourage a communal environment, plus measures to block noise and aid privacy. The area also includes high-rise towers with a view to the coastline and commercial activity downstairs, such as restaurants, bars, nightlife and retail shops.

The report says Block Two has 70 percent of buildings at a substandard level. To boost community spirit, the new plan includes a promenade to link spaces leading to a major “green” activity area.

Block One has old buildings in a cramped area. The report said the area failed to reach its full economic potential because of its narrow streets, limited parking and lack of basic facilities such as garbage disposal areas.

“The building stock within the area is also very aged despite its fairly good appearance. However, the continuous maintenance and retrofitting required to keep them in satisfactory living conditions will be significant.”

Block One will be improved, said the report, by measures including establishment of green spaces and wider streets. The draft plan includes possible architectural designs for the area.

The HDC has promised to discuss the plans with residents and has begun consultations.