WILLEMSTAD – The Parliament of Curaçao is preparing to temporarily relocate its operations to the former SVB building in Otrobanda to allow for a major renovation of its current headquarters at Fort Amsterdam. The relocation, set to begin in early 2026, will last approximately four years and is part of a comprehensive modernization plan approved by the Temporary Committee on New Parliament Housing. 

According to the final report submitted on April 29, 2025, the total budget for the relocation project is estimated at 10.9 million guilders. The temporary site in Otrobanda will house the full range of parliamentary operations, including the members of Parliament, administrative staff, meeting chambers, and archives. 

The decision to relocate follows months of analysis, inspections, and discussions with stakeholders. The current Parliament building, though steeped in historical significance, no longer meets the demands of a modern legislative body in terms of accessibility, security, and digital infrastructure. The renovation will address these challenges while preserving the building’s architectural and historical integrity. 

The Parliament has also approved a series of key decision points, authorizing the President of Parliament and the Secretary-General to proceed with contractual agreements, oversee the transition, and manage the logistics of the move. The plan includes both short-term arrangements for the temporary relocation and long-term strategic improvements to Fort Amsterdam as a seat of government. 

Officials describe the project not just as a functional upgrade, but as a symbolic step toward strengthening the country's democratic institutions. The historic Parliament building—once a colonial seat of power—is now home to the island’s democratic processes. Renovating it to meet 21st-century standards is viewed as a necessary investment in the nation’s future. 

The new temporary location in Otrobanda will be equipped with modern office infrastructure and is expected to offer improved working conditions for both parliamentarians and the public. 

The renovation project, which aligns with broader efforts to modernize government facilities, also underscores the need for responsible stewardship of Curaçao’s historic landmarks.