BRIDGETOWN IS NOT DYING, says Chief Town Planner Mark Cummins. Instead, he is advising business people to be innovative and creative in finding ways to lure people back to the nation’s capital.
Empty commercial space, a decline in pedestrian traffic and the relocation of several businesses, along with Government offices, have led to fears that Bridgetown is fast losing its appeal as Barbados’ busiest commercial centre.
Speaking on the sidelines of a National Stakeholders Consultation on housing and sustainable urban development last week, Cummins said: “I don’t share the view that Bridgetown is dying.” 
He pointed out that Bridgetown remained the national centre in the Physical Development Plan, but there were other regional centres such as Holetown, Speightstown, Six Roads and Oistins, along with suburban centres which were attracting some activity traditionally associated with Bridgetown.
Parking meters
The Chief Town Planner said inadequate parking facilities in Bridgetown was a problem for people doing business there and he suggested it may be necessary to revisit the idea of parking meters along Bridgetown streets to accommodate people going into the City for short periods.
On the other hand, Cummins believed the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry and business people should look at several things that can be done in Bridgetown.
He suggested the Charles Duncan O’Neal Bridge could be lifted more frequently, since many Barbadians had never seen the bridge lift. This was at least one example of what could be done to create new interest in a city designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Chief Town Planner said Bridgetown would continue to be the capital since it was still the main hub for shopping, banking and the main duty-free centre.
“I think the business people also have to determine, based on professional advice and their business acumen and other institutional knowledge, what are the type of activities they would like to see in Bridgetown that would attract people,” Cummins added. (GC)
