The new Road Town Market Square is scheduled to officially open on February 13, 2023 and vendors are being encouraged to submit their applications to receive one of the 16 available kiosks.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Communication and Works Honourable Kye Rymer made the announcement in the House of Assembly on Thursday, stating that the project is substantially completed and ready for occupancy.
He said the new facility will initially be managed and operated by the Wickham’s Cay Development Authority and later will be overseen by a management team which will be contracted following a tender process.
“In preparation for opening the facility, we have offered first rights of refusal to the original vendors of the old Market Square who were temporarily displaced during construction. I take this opportunity to invite applicants to apply for one of the sixteen kiosks. We are currently offering the 10 by 10 Kiosks at a rate of $300.00 and the 12 by 12 Kiosks at a rate of $450.00 monthly,” he said.
“In addition, as this Market square is in the territory’s capital, it is important that the Virgin Islands be represented in whole, as a result we have dedicated a Kiosk specifically for our brothers and sisters from the outer islands to add to the creative product in our territory’s capital market square. The kiosk will be available for persons coming from the sister islands, to be able to have a space and would be able to offer their produce or their product in the market square,” he added.
Details of the project outlined
The deputy premier provided a summary of works that have taken place to date on the project.
“The first building constructed on the site was the bandstand building, which will serve as a central gathering area for future events at the Market Square. Sixteen (16) kiosks were constructed. Ten (10) kiosks are 12 by 12 feet in dimension, while six (6) kiosks are 10 by 10 feet. The kiosks are outfitted with a sink and faucet, lighting, a duplex outlet and a countertop for vending purposes. Although not installed yet, each kiosk will have shutters to enclose the kiosks to protect against vandalism and provide adequate security,” Rymer said as he provided details of the project.
He continued, “All kiosks are equipped with a sink for sanitary purposes. They are also fitted with lighting and power supply to facilitate vendor operations, even during the night-time. Solar lights are also installed to provide sufficient lighting to the square and reduce the overall electricity consumption charges. The restroom building is fitted with a total of eight (8) stalls. Five (5) stalls on the female side, with one being handicap accessible. The male side has 3 stalls with one being handicap accessible and three (3) urinals. Also, each side (male and female) has a baby changing station and a concrete trough sink for handwashing.”
Building will be resilient and secure
Minister Rymer also assured the public that special attention was given to the project to ensure the building is resilient and secure.
He said concrete divider walls and shutters have been installed at the closure of the entrances.
“The construction of concrete box drains and the trenching and laying of drain pipes have been completed. Careful attention was given to ensure that the Market Square has adequate drainage to ensure the area remains a viable site for business operation during heavy rain events. You may have been inconvenienced by the works to install the drain crossing that is intended to discharge the storm water collected in the Market Square into the existing public drainage system. Additionally, we have altered the design to include a soft landscaping with grass, shrubs, and trees to allow for better drainage during inclement events,” he stated.
Rymer further revealed that the final building to be constructed will be a bus shelter that will be the main hub for the collection of passengers with an aim of alleviating the dangerous practice of bus operators collecting passengers at the beginning of the Sir Walter Francis dual carriageway.