Climate response and energy savings measures in a functional layout were on the agenda during stakeholder discussions on the new West End Ferry Terminal (WEFT) held on February 15 and 16.
The meetings were held to finalise the new terminal’s conceptual designs, facilitated by RDA Contract Supervisor and Project Manager Sergio Dantas and Community Liaison Officer April Glasgow, who were joined by the WEFT design consultants, Project Lead Dr. Karsten Galipp and Principal Architect Torsten Illgen of Inros Lackner S.E.
The two-day stakeholder sessions were attended by the Acting Premier and Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye Rymer, with representatives from the Ministry of Communications and Works, the BVI Ports Authority, H. M. Customs and Immigration Departments, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, the B.V.I. Tourist Board, the Town and Country Planning Department, Virgin Islands Ferry and Rescues Service, Ferry Operators and the West End Taxi Association among others.
The two-storey ferry terminal features measures to promote efficient flow and processing of passengers for both domestic and international travels.
In sharing expectations for the visit, Dr. Galipp said, “It is important that we receive feedback on the design from the stakeholders. We have listened to their concerns, some of which we can integrate to bring relief.”
Dr. Galipp shared that following the consultations, they are a step closer and are headed in the right direction.
Principal Architect Mr. Illgen said, “We hope that the direction of climate response will have a positive impact,” adding, “Regarding the functional layout, we are on the right track.”
Following an analysis and integration of the stakeholder consultations, public consultations will be scheduled.
The design team will now incorporate the end user feedback and finalize the conceptual designs and proceed with the detailed final designs and tender documents.
The ferry terminal at West End was the busiest seaport in the Virgin Islands prior to the 2017 hurricanes with 40% of all arrivals into the Territory cleared in through West End.
Under the direction of the Ministry of Communications and Works, the RDA will manage the design and construction of a new, expanded terminal, in partnership with key stakeholders. The proposed 12,000 square foot facility will double the size of the previous facility, and have the capacity to process more passengers, provide berthing for multiple ferries and private yachts, and parking for vehicles.
The facility will be built from sustainable materials and will incorporate technologies to offer greater efficiency for businesses and passengers.
In July 2022, the Virgin Islands community was engaged in a poll on the design for the new West End Ferry Terminal which focused on the aesthetics of the building. Taking into consideration the efficacy of the three designs, the resiliency of the building and the availability of materials, the Classic Modern design emerged the winner following a tie with the Organic, Futuristic design.
This round of stakeholder consultations on the West End Ferry Terminal consistently supports the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency’s overarching goal, to deliver on its mandate to execute recovery projects, build capacity and philanthropy.