|
| |
Contact:
John Emmanuel
Thursday, May 08, 2003 - A rather soft-opening of the newly constructed
multi-million dollar extension to the duty-free shopping complex in downtown
Castries - La Place Carenage on Monday, May 5th 2003 is to be eclipsed by a
grand ceremony being planned for next year.
Officials of Anchorage Investment Limited, a subsidiary of the St. Lucia Air and
Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) say the soft-opening was done to coincide with one
of the major fringe activities of the St. Lucia Jazz Festival, Tea-Time Jazz.
The popular venue located along Jeremie Street within the heart of the City had
quickly grown too small and the extension fitted nicely with SLASPA’s wider
vision for the re-development of the Castries Waterfront, in providing a richer
and more diversified shopping experience to visitors and locals alike.
Managing Director of Anchorage Investment Limited Marcellus Phillip explained
that, “the additional space which is approximately 27 thousand square feet has
almost triple the size of the mall. Construction commenced in February of 2001
and the building was completed towards the end of 2003 at a cost of $6.6
million.”
The extension features 14 new retail units ranging from 300 to 2000 square feet
bringing the total compliment of units in the mall to 27. The top fall of the
extension will be totally dedicated to providing patrons with an interactive
experience featuring the history of the island spanning geologic times right
through to modern history. The extension will also feature additional restaurant
space as well as a coffee and ice cream parlour, and a tourist board and
heritage tours booth to be located on the ground floor.
Phillips admitted, “hat the opening was delayed primarily because of the
condition of Jeremie Street directly in from of the complex, due to ongoing work
in laying down a dedicated 20 inch water ain to service the north of the
country.” With the road having been resurfaced last week albeit temporarily,
officials decided to go ahead and open the extension to coincide with Tea Time
Jazz.
The $6.6 million investment is being hailed as an engineering feat, given the
nature of soil that contractors had to work with along the Waterfront and the
aspect of tying the two structures together to allow them to function as one
complex. Next year’s grand formal launching will take place in early January
following the completion of the animation centre located on the top floor.
|
