WILLEMSTAD – The future of Waterfort Plaza’s redevelopment has sparked discussion among key stakeholders as the government prepares to review critical feedback on the project.
The Department of Spatial Development and Planning (ROP), part of the Ministry of Traffic, Transport, and Urban Planning (VVRP), is set to meet with the General Pension Fund of Curaçao (APC) to discuss the latest report from the Monuments Council regarding the master plan for Waterfort Plaza.
The Monuments Council, which provides recommendations on projects with significant urban impact, has expressed concerns about the development plans, particularly regarding the preservation of the city’s historical appearance. While the Council’s advice is non-binding, it is considered an important factor in decision-making.
“Our goal is to ensure the development of this important area in Willemstad aligns with responsible urban planning,” an ROP representative stated. The report on the development plans for the Plaza Hotel area was commissioned by Raymond Felisie, Acting Director of ROP.
However, the APC, which drafted the master plan, has indicated that the VVRP is the appropriate entity to respond to inquiries about the report. A spokesperson for APC stated that the pension fund does not intend to comment publicly on the findings.
Despite the critical stance of the Monuments Council, its recommendations do not have legal enforcement. In response, Council Chair Lusette Verboom-Fairbairn emphasized the importance of transparency, stating, “Due to the non-binding nature of our advice, we have decided to make our recommendations public.”
The discussion surrounding Waterfort Plaza’s redevelopment highlights the ongoing tension between economic development and cultural heritage preservation. As negotiations progress, the challenge will be finding a balance that benefits both the city’s historical character and its future growth.