Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Republic Bank (Barbados) Limited, Ian De Souza, operating the excavator yesterday to officially break ground on the One Republic Place office building. Assisting him is operator, Roger Holder.
‘One Republic Place’ by mid-2018
He added that the six-storey building, to be built at a cost of $30 million, will also utilise the latest in energy-efficient technologies, which he said will enhance the modern design of the structure and “set the standard for commercial offices in Barbados”. Edghill made the point as he indicated that the construction phase for the 48 000 square feet building is expected to take 18 months, with July 2018 set as the date of completion.
“As developer we have a responsibility to ensure that our projects compliment the external surrounds, as well as provide the best possible internal spaces for our tenants. I am confident that One Republic Place meets and exceeds any international criteria in this regard,” he said.
He later told the media that with respect to the energy-efficient technologies, they will employ a mixture of insulated glass, VRF air-conditioned systems, portable water harvesting and solar voltaic panels. He explained that such technologies are in keeping with international best practices and while there will be extra capital costs to the developer to put them in, they will save the tenants a “tremendous amount of money” over time in respect of their electricity bills.
Edghill’s comments came as he told the media that his company is hoping to get another major project off the ground soon – the promised Hyatt hotel. According to the Caribbean Consultants Limited official, they are hoping to see that started this year, but are still awaiting the go-ahead from the relevant authorities. He said that while they are yet to receive word on the project, they are confident that they will soon get the permission to proceed. (JRT)