WILLEMSTAD – The development of Waterfort Plaza in Punda is entering a new phase. Studio Akkerhuis and lyongo architecture, commissioned by Algemeen Pensioenfonds van Curaçao (APC), have started the design phase for the redevelopment of the Plaza area in Punda.
For many years, a large part of the historic fort area surrounding the former Plaza Hotel has not been accessible to the public. With the start of the design phase, this is set to change. For the first time, it will become possible to walk across the Waterfort and through the historic arches that run through the area. The design introduces a new elevated public square, gradually rising to the level of the Waterfort. From here, residents and visitors will be able to move freely through the area while enjoying views of the Sint Anna Bay and the Caribbean Sea.
The former tower, which has already been fully stripped, will be replaced with a multifunctional development including residential units, a boutique hotel, and amenities such as shops and offices. This creates the opportunity to redevelop the area, bringing renewed vibrancy to the city center and making it more attractive for both future residents and visitors.
Heritage as an integral part of the development
The redevelopment focuses on preserving and restoring valuable historical elements. Heritage plays a central role in the plan, partly due to the site’s UNESCO World Heritage status. We recognize that there are questions and concerns within the community regarding the redevelopment of this unique area. Over the past years, extensive studies and analyses have been conducted to ensure careful integration of heritage into the plans. The outcomes of these studies have been taken into account in the design guidelines.
In addition, a Heritage Impact Assessment has been carried out to evaluate the development within this heritage-rich environment. Key elements such as the historic Waterfort and important sightlines towards the city and the sea will be preserved and enhanced. While the area is currently largely closed off and uninviting, the goal is to reopen this heritage site to the public, much like the fort’s rooftop was accessible in earlier decades.
Lyongo Juliana, architect, explains: “This area tells an important part of Curaçao’s history, one that deserves to be made visible. For the first time, the Waterfort and its arch structures will become fully accessible to the public. People will be able to walk across and through the site, connecting the harbor entrance at Plaza Piar all the way to Marichi Beach. The design introduces three distinct routes to experience the heritage up close: along the historic arches, across the fort, and at street level.”
An area open to everyone
Waterfort Plaza is being developed as an open urban area with new public squares, walking routes, and connections. The Ministry of Traffic, Transport and Urban Planning (VVRP) has been kept informed during the development of the master plan. In January 2025, the Ministry issued a positive preliminary assessment.
The master plan focuses on restoring historic structures, sightlines, and public routes, while carefully integrating new developments into the existing urban fabric and surrounding areas of Punda.
Bart Akkerhuis, architect (Studio Akkerhuis), shares his vision: “Today, one of the most beautiful locations in Willemstad still feels like a forgotten edge of the city. With a new public square, lively streets, greenery, and shade, this will become a place for Curaçao. We are creating a place for people, to meet, to stay, and to rediscover the city. A place that brings energy back to Punda and grows into a space filled with stories and memories, just as Plaza once was.”
Investing in the future of Willemstad
The development is made possible through an investment by APC. The management of APC states: “As a long-term investor, we focus on developments that contribute to a strong economy and a livable city. With Waterfort Plaza, we are investing in the revitalization of Willemstad. The project is designed to create sustainable value for the future, contributing step by step to a city that is ready for both present and future generations.”
Over the past five years, APC has engaged with a wide range of stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, heritage experts, students, and other involved parties. These discussions, studies, and public sessions have contributed to the master plan (July 2024), developed by Studio Akkerhuis.
Road2Plaza participation and placemaking program was launched to engage people with the area and stimulate activity, in preparation for the development of Waterfort Plaza. This included pop-up activities and a project office at Gomezplein 5 serving as an information point. As part of this effort, Road2Plaza has organized and participated in various activities, including the Waterfort Festival (2022), pop-ups during the Kaya Kaya Festival, events during King’s Day and Dia di Bandera, guest lectures, and participation in the SustainaBUL program of the University of Curaçao.
Engaging with the community
In the coming months, Studio Akkerhuis and lyongo architecture will continue working on the design for the new developments in the area. Project updates will be shared through the Road2Plaza website.
There are many questions surrounding the redevelopment of the area. In the meantime, questions can be submitted online via the Road2Plaza website. In the future, information sessions will be organized where the public can engage with the designers and project stakeholders.
Waterfort Plaza represents an important link within the broader development of Punda, in connection with the recent redevelopment of the Court of Justice. Where the area has long been fragmented and largely closed off, it is now being transformed into a cohesive urban space where public life, history, and city dynamics come together.