Old National Stadium ready to be demolished

Barbadians are a step closer to seeing the long-awaited reconstruction of the National Stadium, with demolition of the existing structure expected to begin soon.

A Chinese delegation is scheduled to arrive on the island next week to finalise plans, according to Minister of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment Charles Griffith.

The minister, speaking during Monday’s Estimates debates in Parliament, described the project as being at an “advanced stage” and confirmed that site preparation is well underway.

He noted that the ministry was recently asked by the Chinese government to clear the location of all of the material in preparation for the demolition exercise.

Giving further update on the project, Sports Development Officer Stephen Rowe confirmed that all necessary materials have been removed and that the demolition will proceed once the Chinese team completes its assessment.

“Following that, construction will begin, with phase one expected to take approximately 29 months,” he said, further adding, “We’re moving swiftly along, and everything is on track at this point.”

Phase one will include a 10 000-seat grandstand on the western side of the stadium, as well as a 400-metre international-standard warm-up track, which will be built on the current Barbados Lumber Company site.

Griffith also outlined plans for phase two, which will double the stadium’s capacity to 20 000 seats.

“The expanse of phase two means we have to redirect the road slightly, using a portion of the Botanical Garden to reconnect at the Comberemere School junction,” the minister said.

The officials added that the stadium’s master plan, which is nearing completion, will determine the final placement of stands and the new alignment of the road.

Sharing on other initiatives of his ministry, Griffith reaffirmed the government’s commitment to serving young people across the island.

One of the key projects under the Community Development Department is the Centre Management Committees Initiative, which extends the operating hours of community centers beyond 4:30 p.m. to provide greater access for youth engagement and development programmes.

Another initiative, the Community Engagement Project, aims to support young people by helping them obtain a TAMIS number, start the process of getting their national ID cards, and open bank accounts. These services are being offered at community centers and alternative locations where centers do not exist.

The ministry has also launched 30 community groups through the Community Development Department, with ongoing programmes led by community aides across multiple locations.

In sports, the government has embarked on a ministerial project to improve sports clubs and community facilities, ensuring they remain secure and financially viable.

Griffith revealed that hundreds of thousands of dollars have been spent on regrading fields across the island, while new fencing is being installed to protect these facilities from damage caused by heavy equipment.

Other major infrastructure upgrades shared by the minister included a new volleyball court at the Garfield Sobers Complex, the refurbishment of the National Netball Stadium, which will now accommodate basketball, netball, and volleyball; a new 400-metre track at Wildey, which will supplement existing training facilities for athletes; and the development of five dedicated football fields, which he said was a direct response to the growing demand following the success of the Prime Minister’s Cup.

Griffith further highlighted several initiatives aimed at empowering young people, including the I AM Conference, which creates a platform for youth voices while providing educational and professional development opportunities and the Moving On Project, an initiative in primary schools that prepares students for secondary school by teaching skills such as anger management and conflict resolution.

He said over 1 200 students have benefited from the programme in the past year, noting that these projects, in addition to several other new and existing initiatives, underscore the ministry’s commitment to providing opportunities for young people through education, mentorship, and sports.

“Whether it’s through community centres, sports training, or mentorship, we are ensuring that young people across Barbados have access to the resources they need to develop their skills and reach their full potential,” the minister said.

shannamoore@barbadostoday.bb