MOF-BUDGET Jun. 2016 | Page 22

million financial centre, $10 million recording studio, $10 million equestrian centre, $20 million Sports Academy, $20 million Hospital and Wellness Centre, and ongoing Custom Residence construction at a cost of $50 million. Construction hiring, averaging over 800 persons, is expected to increase above 1200 within the quarter and full time employment now stands at 564 persons. rant resulted in an additional 25 employees. As of April 2016 Bahamian construction employment stabilized at 72% with only 28% foreign labour employed at the site and it is anticipated that the local labour force will increase with commencement of phase 2 & 3 of the project. SANDALS ROYAL BAHAMIAN The Atlantis Resort has incurred capital expenditures of $50 million on property renovations of its hotel rooms in the Coral Towers and suites at the Cove and engaged in the process over 700 construction employees. Pending projects include refurbishment of the Ballroom and the Marina Village later this year. Sandals Royal Bahamian has invested $25 million in the introduction of Swim Up Lagoon suites and complete refurbishment of the Balmoral Building. Future projects include $10 million in a new sushi restaurant and upgrades of villa rooms, kitchen and conference facilities. SILVER LEAF [22] 2016/2017 DRAFT ESTIMATES OF REVENUE & EXPENDITURE A new $30 million luxury timeshare resort, consisting of 71 luxury suites, will be operated on Cable Beach by Silver leaf Resorts, with Phase 1 comprising 24 units to be completed within the next 12 months and the remaining 47 units within a 5 year timeframe. The project entails construction employment for 120 persons and on completion it is expected that 38 persons will be hired. NEW WORLD – THE POINTE Mr. Speaker, On the harbourfront, the $200 million residential and entertainment complex at the Pointe has begun to take shape with the parking garage almost completed and commencement on construction of the 200-room hotel foundation. These additional rooms, along with an 82-key condo hotel, will significantly increase much needed room inventory on New Providence when completed in late 2017. Mr. Speaker, the opening of the Summer Palace restau- PARADISE ISLAND BROOKFIELD - ATLANTIS The introduction of 77 West, a new signature restaurant, at Atlantis, along with upgrade of Marketplace and the opening of Salon Privé, a new gaming facility, has kept Atlantis continually finding ways to improve the guest experience in its quest to remain on the cutting edge of hospitality. Atlantis intends to invest another $140 million in refurbishment and additional facilities over a four year period. Warwick Paradise Island The 250-room Warwick hotel, formerly the Paradise Island Harbour Resort, will have a soft opening late July after an extensive $40 million property renovation, the addition of a spa, and new terrace restaurant, restoration of the boardwalk and car park and a new entrance area. The resort will be fully operational by 4th quarter 2016 with occupancies expected to climb to 65-70% in 2017. The Warwick Paradise Island will employ between 125-150 persons in 2016 and between 195 – 250 persons in 2017. ACCESS INDUSTRIES – ONE & ONLY OCEAN CLUB Access Industries, owners of the One & Only, Ocean Club, have spent just $21 million of a $50 million capital development budget to complete a two year refurbishment of the Hartford Wing, public spaces and expansion of meeting space and food and beverage outlets at the hotel, retaining over 450 employees during the renovations. Access has added 25 new permanent positions and has indicated that it will continue to reinvest to maintain brand quality and recognition. BIMINI RESORTS WORLD BIMINI Mr. Speaker, Resorts World Bimini has proven to be an investor of the highest caliber, having invested through April 2016 over US$660 million in capital and operating cash flow inclusive of $12 million in public infrastructure investments in Bimini. Resorts World has committed $60 million in operating capital and plans to invest a further $35 million in additional capital investment over the next 12 months. Mr. Speaker, official ribbon cutting for the new 300-room five star, Bimini Hilton hotel will take place on June 4 of this year, following its soft opening last year with a boutique casino, spa, meeting space and the largest marina in The Bahamas. Resorts World Bimini will soon introduce the launch of a new ferry service from Miami dubbed “Break for Bimini”, delivering faster and more direct access to the Island. Supplementing this initiative is critical air service via daily commercial flights to Bimini by Cape Air and Silver Airways and five (5) luxury private aircraft servicing high rollers visiting the resort. There is now capacity to transport 500 people daily. Permanent employees have grown from 159 in 2013 to 657 at present. Over