Big plans for Six Roads

It is envisioned that Six Roads will continue to develop as a regional centre in Barbados, providing a range of amenities and community uses for the increased population in the southeast portion of the country.

This was revealed by Tyler Baker, Urban Designer with Urban Strategies Inc. as he referred to the proposed Six Roads Community Plan to be included in the upcoming amendment to the Physical Development Plan. Baker was speaking at a community meeting held at the Princess Margaret Secondary School on Saturday evening, to introduce the Draft Physical Development Plan and the Six Roads Community Plan to the public.

Moreover, he added that the area will also embrace its potential as an inland community that is at reduced risk from climate change, and noted that priority will be given to maintaining and improving resiliency in its future growth.

“New development and investment will focus on improving the cohesiveness of the community with greater emphasis on pedestrian connectivity and the public realm. Right now a lot of places in Six Roads are car focused, you have to drive everywhere, walking isn’t necessarily all that comfortable. We are looking to provide ways that may be improved,” he said.

In respect of development, he indicated it is being proposed that mixed-use development opportunities, including residential and retail uses, be explored in respect of the vacant lot to south side of the roundabout. However, residential options will be more of a high density form, such as apartment buildings or townhouses and any such accommodation should take into consideration the ageing population. Furthermore, in addition to incorporating a formalised bus transfer point on the spot, the plan speaks to integrating the existing informal vending into the area as well.

Additionally, the urban designer said it is proposed that improved pedestrian routes be put into the area, to improve people’s access throughout the community. The aim, he said, is that they will not have to go to the roundabout to get where they need to go. With that in mind, it is also proposed that the institutional cluster currently in the area, including the polyclinic, library and the Princess Margaret Secondary School, be transformed into a civic campus with better connections between the various points. That way, he noted, persons would be able to walk from the public market to the school without having to go out on the road. It was also revealed that it is being suggested that continuous sidewalks be constructed in the area of the roundabout.

Baker added that the plan also speaks to solidifying connections with the Marchfield Integrated Rural Development Project. He said while some of the land in Marchfield is not now in agricultural production, it is important to protect it so it can be used for future food production. To that end, the farmers who grow the crops will also be able to sell the crops within the Six Roads community. The final key direction, he noted, refers to promoting employment within the Six Roads Industrial Park. (JRT)

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