Businesses being courted for ambitious Durban Park development

Feb 10, 2016 News

The business community is being courted to become part of an ambitious complex behind the 1763 Monument, in the Durban Park area, between Homestretch Avenue and Hadfield Street.

Works underway at Durban Park.

The Durban Park Jubilee Stadium Complex is being spearheaded by the Ministry of the Presidency, with critical sections geared to be ready for Guyana’s 50th Independence anniversary celebrations on May 26th.
When completed, the facility will consist of a tree-shaded promenade, stadium and health and recreational facilities. The project was announced several weeks ago, but there were little details about how it is being financed.
According to coordinator of the project, Larry London, the project is a Government and private sector partnership with meetings being held with a number of businesses for possible support.
Several businesses have reportedly donated services, with some pledging cash. Others have extended credit.
London emphasised that they “have not collected a cent yet from any businesses”, as it is the intention to put transparent systems in place to ensure no questions are asked as to how monies are spent.
According to the project documents, it is the intention to host several events to celebrate the country’s jubilee milestone. Scores of overseas visitors are expected to be here for the celebrations. Several projects are also underway in other regions.
Durban Park was a former race track east of the Square of the Revolution that over time was overtaken by bush. Several trucks and heavy equipment have been working for weeks now to transform the area.
“In Georgetown, we intend to transform Durban Park into a massive multi-purpose facility which will bring pride to the nearby communities and be a tremendous morale booster to the citizens of Georgetown and to Guyana generally,” the project documents indicated.
It was explained that the Durban Park Jubilee Stadium Complex has been conceptualized and designed by young Guyanese architects, designers and urban planners. The stadium is intended to be “iconic, transformative and architecturally relevant, combining historic elements with vistas of the future”.
“When completed the Durban Park Jubilee Stadium Complex will maintain over 80 percent of the present green space redeveloped in a more structured and curated format. The complex also represents the boldest effort at urban renewal in the history of Georgetown and will significantly transform the city in general with incalculable economic, social and health benefits for citizens, particularly in the city’s south,” according to the documents.
The complex has been designed in three sections: – the promenade, stadium and Health and Recreational Park. The stadium is expected to host up to 30,000 persons.
Section One – the promenade – will consist of nine ponds, each for a former president of Guyana.
It is the initial plan to build tennis courts, tracks and play facilities for children.
Last month, President David Granger and Minister of State Joseph Harmon had visited the area and it was announced that other national events will be held there.
The President said that he looks forward to Durban Park, which will be equipped with an all-weather surface in some areas and flood lights, becoming a major public venue.