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Published On:Thursday, September 02, 2010

By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Staff Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

RENOVATIONS to the ground floor of the Ansbacher House, which will accommodate two courtrooms of the Supreme Court along with judges' chambers, jury and ancillary rooms, are due to begin within the next ten days.

Speaking at the contract signing for the renovation work yesterday, Attorney General John Delaney said that the project is not an isolated one, but part of an integrated effort towards "supporting, strengthening and expanding the justice system in the Bahamas."

Contract

The contract, awarded to Sunco Builders for $2,355,616.10, will further advance the Supreme Court Building and Parliament Square Refurbishment Project for which ARCOP Architects has been contracted to provide architectural designs.

The project has been divided into three phases; the first phase includes the restoration and refurbishment of specific buildings, which began with the restoration of the Hansard building. The second phase is said to include the enhancement of the Parliament Square Precinct, followed by the construction of a utility support services building in the third phase.

Public access to the new courtrooms in Ansbacher House will be available from Bank Lane on the ground floor only. There will be two new entrances complete with security screening.

According to Sunco Builders, the renovations are expected to generate some 100 jobs during the peak phase through direct employment and subcontractors.

Minister of Public Works and Transport Neko Grant said: "The works to be executed will include removing and rebuilding interior partitions, ceilings, flooring and washrooms; refurbishing windows, and installing a new electrical panel and air-conditioning system to service the ground floor."

The renovation work is expected to be completed within 42 weeks.