Next Phase to Road Plaza

WILLEMSTAD – The General Pension Fund Curaçao (APC) and development partner Heritage Plaza Consortium (HPC) presented the progress of the redevelopment of Waterfort Plaza.
The plan of Waterfort Plaza is to create a lively and attractive area that should make a positive contribution to the revitalization of Punda. A multifunctional program has been chosen, including apartments, an arts & culture center, education, a boutique hotel, catering and public space. Talks were held with ROC Mondriaan and Venture Café to flesh out the program, the APC reports in a press release.

Since the purchase of the Plaza complex last year, APC and HPC have been working behind the scenes on a feasibility analysis. In previous stakeholder sessions in May and August 2021, various parties were included in the process to obtain input and create support.
The monumental water fortress arches are an integral part of the program. The point of departure here is to make the waterfort arches publicly accessible via a pedestrian promenade and to fill in the arches themselves with various functions. For the elaboration of the water fortress arches, APC and HPC work closely together with the government, Monumentenzorg and Monumentenfonds.

APC and HPC are currently finalizing the feasibility phase. The next step is the elaboration into a definitive program. Then the formal permitting procedures necessary to realize the plan begins.
It is a complex area development that presents many challenges, says the APC. “This requires a careful approach, taking into account Willemstad’s historic location and Unesco World Heritage status.” APC and HPC hope that the redevelopment of Waterfort Plaza will provide a ‘catalyst for Punda and the rest of Willemstad’.

Waterfort Plaza will thus give an impulse to the economic growth and vibrancy of the city center. We create direct and indirect jobs and stimulate a new form of cultural and heritage tourism.” Once the permits have been granted, construction will begin.

Source: Curaçao Chronicle