WILLEMSTAD - Contractor Albo Caribbean will begin construction on the new West End in Otrobanda within weeks. The project developers of Albus Properties have been given the green light from the Department of Spatial Planning (ROP).
The former 1941 complex fell into disrepair in the 1990s and was demolished in 2001. Since then, the site has been empty. But that won't be long. Construction has been planned for 12 to 15 months. Then there is a contemporary building designed by the architectural firm Studio Acht. The modern West End has a contemporary style that at the same time falls back on the typical architecture of the former West End building.
Yesterday morning, the issuing of the building permit was given an official touch during a meeting at the location on the corner of Brionplein. "This place evokes many beautiful memories," said Minister Charles Cooper of Transport, Spatial Planning and Planning (VVRP). ROP falls under the Ministry of VVRP. Cooper: “This is where you went to the movies with your sweetheart, friends or family.” The new West End fits in with the government's vision that the country can earn more from a prime location like Brionplein. Cooper: “We are now giving a building permit to a local investor who believes in our country. In this way we give the population hope.”
Of the 1,500 square meters on the corner of Brionplein, 1,200 square meters will be built on, with two more floors above the ground floor. The construction looks open and anyone who wants to can walk in and out. Twelve units will be built on the ground floor, including shops. In addition, catering establishments are considered. “We are still finalizing the precise details of the spaces”, says project manager Sidarth Samtani.
