George Town’s Cardinall Avenue Begins Transformation into Pedestrianised Street

Phase one of the Ministry of Planning, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure’s Cardinall Avenue enhancement project starts on Monday, 31 January, as part of the ongoing George Town Revitalisation Initiative.

This first phase includes the pedestrianisation of the section of road between Seafarers Way and Albert Panton Street, which will see the existing asphalt replaced with colourful concrete pavers. Enhancements will also be made to the eastern section of Cardinall Avenue; however, this section of road will remain accessible to one-way vehicular traffic via Albert Panton Street.

Further enhancements to the avenue include installing additional street lighting, landscaping and mature vegetation, plus new street furniture. At the same time, the underground infrastructure will be updated with new water mains and relined sanitary and storm sewers.

Robson Construction is leading the works with support from long-standing partners of the revitalisation project, the National Roads Authority, Caribbean Utilities Company and Apec Consulting Engineers Limited.

In preparation for the project’s kick-off, George Town Manager Colin Lumsden and key members of the project team met with Cardinall Avenue landowners and building tenants this week. Mr Lumsden noted that the main objectives of the enhancement works are to improve the aesthetic and character of the downtown area.

“The goal of the George Town Revitalisation Initiative is to create opportunities for increased activity by locals and tourists in our capital by developing public open spaces adjacent to businesses that enhance the experience for visitors,” he says.

From 31 January, there will no longer be general vehicular access to Cardinall Avenue from Seafarers Way. Traffic will be rerouted from Seafarers Way into town by way of Mary Street, Fort Street and Goring Avenue, as well as access the eastern end of Cardinall Avenue, between Albert Panton Street and Edward Street, via Albert Panton Street. Cardinall Avenue will remain open to foot traffic for access to shops, cafes and businesses, which will continue operations as usual.

“This new pedestrian-friendly area in the centre of town marks a big milestone in the George Town Revitalisation Initiative master plan. We are confident the result will create a significantly enhanced experience for the public and local businesses,” Mr Lumsden says.

The project is expected to take place over five months.

Follow the George Town Revitalisation Initiative on Facebook (facebook.com/GTRevitalisation) and Instagram (instagram.com/gtrevitalisation/) for real-time project updates.