Ground-breaking for prestigious new development at Cricket Square

By Christopher Tobutt

A big groundbreaking ceremony at Cricket square heralded the Phase Vii of the prestigious town-centre business development. Orchid Development, the company behind Cricket square, said that the new development will include a 150,000 square foot office building located on Elgin Avenue, as well as a new social hub, leading to a nice balance between work and relaxation. There will be a 7-storey office building, called Pavillion East, and the tenants are going to include Cayman Islands Monetary Authority, law firm Carey Olsen, the Cayman Islands Stock Exchange and the Public Service Pensions Board, who were all represented at the groundbreaking.

Minister for finance and economic development Hon Chris Saunders began by reiterating the importance of letting the private sector drive such developments. “It is tempting (for the government) to do things, but unless you get the private sector to help it will not work,” he said. He praised the Flowers Group, and also the Flowers Family for their long-term commitment to the sustainable growth of the Cayman Islands, and the steadfastness of their vision for Cricket Square to be an exemplary hub of commerce right in the heart of George Town, from its inception nearly 3 decades ago.

Clarence ‘King’ Flowers CEO Orchid Development, said, “When complete in 2024, Pavilion East will provide Class-A office space with balcony views. Meeting today’s environmental concerns is at the forefront of our minds and the new building will be LEED (Leadership in energy and environmental design) Gold Certified and will include solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, grey water cisterns and efficient air conditioning and low-e glazing. What makes this building truly unique is the opportunity for growth and future plans to expand into Phase 8, providing a future floor plate of 40,000 sq ft.” As with all Orchid Development projects, there will be plenty of green areas and trees, leading to a relaxed, aesthetically-rich ambience.

Orchid Development has worked closely with the planning department to make sure that cyclists, and pedestrians feel safe, and have also invested 1.5 million to remove CUC’s overhead cables, putting them underground so that they will not blow down in the event of a hurricane, Orchid’s CEO, Jeremy Superfine said during his presentation.

“In addition to offering world-class space, in a strategic location, what makes Cricket Square special is the ambience and relaxed environment that the Flowers family have created. Our tenants enjoy a well-balanced mix of amenities, delicious and nutritious food and drink options plus a world-class corporate fitness and wellness centre, The Club,” Mr. Superfine said.

Anyone who has visited Cricket Square knows that restaurants with their nice outdoor seating under leafy trees makes for a perfect gathering place, where office workers and their friends can meet with one another and relax, but now there is going to be more, not only for tenants but for everyone to enjoy, with The Duck, a coffee-shop by day and a bar by night. “Sure to become the Social hub of Cricket Square, The Duck will offer plenty of air conditioned space to network, socialize, host meetings and events for all to enjoy,” Mr. Superfine added.