WILLEMSTAD – The Government of Curaçao and CMC Vastgoed have acquired the former Sint Elisabeth Hospital (SEHOS) complex in Otrobanda, clearing the way for one of the most significant redevelopment projects in the historic district in years.
The deed of sale was signed on October 2. The property was purchased from Otrabanda Village B.V. and Kunuku Aqua Resorts Holding B.V., with the government and CMC Vastgoed each financing their respective portion of the acquisition.
The government says the purchase will make it possible to redevelop the historic complex in connection with the surrounding neighborhood rather than treating the former hospital as an isolated property.
Healthcare, housing, heritage preservation, commerce, recreation and public meeting spaces are expected to form the basis of the redevelopment.
Minister of Traffic, Transportation and Urban Planning Charles Cooper, Bas Filipini on behalf of Otrabanda Village and Dito Garmers representing CMC Vastgoed addressed those present before the deed was signed.
According to the government, the acquisition fits into a development strategy that dates back to April 11, 2013, when a majority in the Curaçao Parliament opted to construct the island’s new general hospital in Otrobanda.
That decision linked the future Curaçao Medical Center to the wider development of surrounding neighborhoods. The government says its strategic acquisition of Colon and later the Chepacu building formed part of the same direction.
Authorities had also sought to acquire the former SEHOS complex from an early stage through negotiations and proposals. That ambition continued even after the property was sold to private owners.
The government already owns the neighboring St. Thomas and Poli complexes and says control over these properties gives it an opportunity to coordinate development of the wider area while protecting the public interest.
Preserving Otrobanda’s character will be an important condition of the project. Plans call for the reuse of buildings with cultural and historical value, accessible public spaces, green areas and opportunities for local entrepreneurs and cultural activities.
Rather than creating another closed development, the government says the objective is to establish an open area connected to Otrobanda’s existing streets and alleys so that residents and businesses in the surrounding neighborhood can also benefit.
The former hospital complex will be brought back into use gradually, beginning with cleaning, security measures and making parts of the property safely accessible.
The first public activities could take place as early as December, when authorities hope the community can return to the site for Misa di Ourora in the chapel and a Christmas walk around the complex.
A broader public participation process concerning the permanent future of the site is expected to begin during the first quarter of 2027.