No final plans for President’s Grounds

In a statement yesterday, Udecott Chairman Calder Hart said they had only recently received the plans from the consultants, which were yet to be value engineered. He said no tenders had been awarded, except for the demolition works.

Hart said the consultants have put forward a proposal to incorporate the President’s Grounds into the residence for security reasons. However, he insisted, "No final decision has been taken on the use of President’s Grounds in the final plans for the official residence for the Prime Minister."

He said no final decision will be taken without consultation with members of the community and promised that once the site options "could be more readily defined," those consultations will begin. Hart said he also intended to meet with residents of St Ann’s and environs to help them understand the vision of the project and to listen to their concerns. No date has been set for that proposed meeting.

Demolition of the PM’s residence started last week and is expected to continue in the next four weeks.

Udecott, the project manager for the reconstruction, stated that the concept for the official residence contains more than private quarters. It will also include a diplomatic centre, where foreign heads and dignitaries will be hosted and space for the multitude of activities that take place at the residence, including receptions.

Residents of St Ann’s have voiced their objections to the use of the President’s Grounds as part of the PM’s residence and are planning more protests to highlight their concerns.