965 Expressions of Interest Pour in for UDeCOTT Revitalisation Blueprint

Title: 965 Expressions of Interest Pour in for UDeCOTT Revitalisation Blueprint

By [Author], Staff Writer

Government-backed Revitalisation Blueprint for Trinidad and Tobago has attracted 965 Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for projects spanning 12 development nodes and 129 initiatives, according to Minister of Works and Infrastructure Jearlean John. The submissions came from a mix of local and international investors, including parties from the United States, France, and China, as the government seeks to kick-start a decade-long development push.

Speaking at a news conference at the United National Congress (UNC) headquarters in Chaguanas, John outlined that the proposals will cover both new construction and refurbishment across the country’s major hubs and outlying communities. She noted that UDeCOTT chairman Shankar Bidaisee had informed her of the highly competitive nature of the process.

Key figures from Bidaisee’s letter, as presented at the conference, showed the breakdown of submissions by development category:

– Luxury Waterfront Real Estate Development (Hotels, Housing, Waterfront Entertainment): 57
– Financial District Development and Luxury Waterfront Real Estate Development: 43
– Shallow Water Dredging and Reclamation, Port Design, Construction and Operations: 40
– Retail Construction and Operation: 59
– Integrated Smart Transport Solutions Design, Construct and Operate: 34
– Real Estate High Density Housing Development: 57
– Civic Social Infrastructure Development: 54
– Shallow Water Dredging and Reclamation, Industrial Park Design, Construction and Operations: 39
– Real Estate High Density Mixed Use Development: 55
– Civic National Security Infrastructure Development: 48
– Real Estate High Density Office Development: 48
– Real Estate High Density Car Park Development: 44
– Civic Arts and Culture Infrastructure: 43
– Civic Health Specialist Infrastructure: 45
– Civic Green Space Park Development and Retail: 55
– Energy Recovery Facilities: 36
– Civic National Prisons Security Infrastructure Development: 44
– Real Estate Medium Density Housing Development: 52
– Civic Transport Infrastructure Upgrade: 43
– Civic Utility Infrastructure Upgrade: 35
– Civic Shallow Land Reclamation Design and Construction: 34

Beyond local submissions, UDeCOTT disclosed that EOIs also came from international entities in the United States, France, China, the Netherlands, India, the United Kingdom, Peru, South Africa, and Belgium. The compiled submissions reportedly total 190,000 pages.

UDeCOTT’s evaluation committee will conduct further analysis of the proposals. John described the turnout as a “blowout” for Trinidad and Tobago and emphasized that the country has positioned itself well to attract investment.

Acknowledging concerns among some local executives about the revitalisation plan, John stressed a pent-up demand for investment and highlighted the scale of the planned projects as a key factor for potential funders. She urged investors to present credible funding strategies for the billion-dollar ventures.

John pointed to examples of activity and opportunity, noting that investment traffic is already evident in regional travel, with Trinidad and Tobago businessmen frequenting CAL flights and seeking opportunities. She asserted that the government’s approach is to present a coherent portfolio of projects that make sense and can be funded.

Submissions also touched on social and community-focused aspects, including plans for social real estate such as a centre for socially displaced individuals in San Fernando. John expressed surprise at the 54 submissions in this category, indicating a willingness to consider social impact projects alongside infrastructure.

The blueprint, described as the Caribbean’s largest infrastructure programme, is expected to generate about $112 billion over ten years. Shortlisting of proponents is projected to be completed in February, with physical project activity anticipated to begin by August. The government remains optimistic about translating EOIs into tangible development that propels the country’s growth trajectory.

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