It was to have been transformed into a modern facility featuring a restaurant and other amenities.
Now, more than seven years after the work should have started, the Barbados Tourism Investment Inc. (BTII) is trying to find a buyer for the Old Post Office Building in Speightstown.
It was the BTII which previously announced that it had entered into a joint venture arrangement with a local investment group to redevelop the historic property, which also previously housed a public library.
“The refurbished property will be a mixed-use facility comprising of a restaurant, games room and bar, commercial space for rent and short and long term rental apartments. Construction is planned to commence in early 2006. This project is just one of several initiatives that are aimed at rejuvenating the business and social life of Speightstown,” the state agency said in a notice which still appears on its website.
However, in recent days BTII has been advertising the “three storey masonry building” in the hope of finding a buyer, preferably to pursue “tourism related development”.
Potential purchasers have until March 15 to submit expressions of interest to the BTII, which called the property “a listed building of historic and architectural significance to Speightstown”.
“Expressions of interest should include the proposed usage and the offer price for the property. The purpose for which the building will be used will be a consideration in making the sale,” the recent notice said.
“The [BTII] does not bind itself to accept the highest offer and reserves its right to refuse to accept any offer.”
The work previously proposed for the Old Post Office Building was contemplated within the context of efforts to renew and develop areas like Speightstown and Bridgetown, including Jubilee Gardens and the Chamberlain Bridge. (SC)
