WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao Monuments Council has expressed significant concerns about the proposed Waterfort Plaza Masterplan, stating that the building height and volume of the project “deviate substantially” from the guidelines outlined in the Island Development Plan (EOP) for the preservation of Willemstad’s cityscape. According to the council, the project could cause “considerable damage” to the historic urban landscape.
Conflicts with Cityscape Preservation
The Monuments Council highlighted that the planned development, particularly the construction of a new high-rise tower, does not align with the EOP’s vision for protecting Willemstad’s historic character. The council criticized the interpretation of “existing structures” in the EOP, which includes the current Plaza Hotel. However, since the hotel is slated for demolition as part of the masterplan, the council argues that it should no longer be considered an “existing structure” under the EOP.
“The planned demolition of the Plaza Hotel, including both the low-rise building and the tower, raises questions about whether the masterplan can still claim to respect existing structures,” the council stated.
Concerns Over High-Rise Tower
The council’s primary objection centers on the proposed high-rise tower, which will be built on a different site than the existing Plaza Hotel tower. The council warned that the tower’s height and scale would cause “disproportionate damage” to the downtown area, outweighing any potential benefits of the project.
“The proposed high-rise will harm the downtown area in a way that is not justified by the project’s intended purpose,” the council added.
Urban Planning and Infrastructure Issues
The Monuments Council also raised concerns about the project’s urban planning and infrastructure integration. Issues such as the location of the development, the connection and financing of necessary infrastructure, and the installation of water and utility services in relation to local soil conditions were cited as areas requiring further scrutiny.
Three-Phase Project Overview
The Waterfort Plaza Masterplan is divided into three phases:
Demolition of the existing Plaza Hotel.
Restoration of the historic Waterfort, a protected monument.
Construction of new buildings, including the controversial high-rise tower.
While the council praised the plan to restore the Waterfort to its original state, calling it an “essential and highly protected monument” integral to Willemstad’s heritage, it expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed new construction.
Questioning the Project’s Necessity
The Monuments Council remains unconvinced of the need for such a large-scale project in a sensitive and historically significant location. “The council is not persuaded that the benefits of this project justify the potential harm to Willemstad’s historic cityscape,” the statement concluded.
