The Tribune

FREEPORT - Today's official opening ceremony for the transformed Churchill Square will mark the successful completion of the Downtown Turnaround Project spearheaded by the Grand Bahama Port Authority.

Started three years ago, the three-phase project aimed to bring aesthetic and infrastructural improvements to downtown Freeport.

GBPA president Ian Rolle said: "The overall aim of the Downtown Project was to make the city's centre more appealing and user-friendly.

"As an integral component of GBPA's 'Making It Happen' initiative, we wanted the downtown facelift to result in a commercial boom with more businesses opening in the downtown area, along with more residents and tourists frequenting it."

The public is invited to come out to Churchill Square this afternoon at 4.30pm to join in the celebrations, which include a brief ceremony followed by a mix and mingle featuring local artisans and food vendors.

DTP chairperson and GBPA environmental manager Nakira Wilchcombe is also pleased with the upgrades.

"It is most fitting that we conclude with the restoration of Churchill Square. Petticoat Lane has been transformed into a pedestrian-only zone with Sir Winston's bust prominently displayed so that residents and visitors can sight-see and relax in a real urban park environment," she said.

"Now that the level of commerce and security of downtown has increased, the Ministry of Tourism and tour operators are excited about showcasing our city's centre.

"Much financial and technical effort has been put into this project and it is our hope that patrons will act responsibly to preserve the beautified environment for all to enjoy."