New housing developments under the government’s CHAPA land exchange programme will include designated space for parks, green areas and small vending zones as part of efforts to support community development.

Officials said between 10% and 15% of land developed through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHAPA) initiative will be reserved for public amenities and community infrastructure.

Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said the provision was included in the programme presented to Cabinet as part of a broader strategy to ensure that new housing developments include recreational and shared spaces.

“The initiative also incorporates a land swap initiative that will provide for 10 to 15 percent of developed lands to be reserved for community infrastructure such as parks, green spaces and vending areas,” Merchant said during the Cabinet briefing.

The housing initiative will allow CHAPA to acquire privately owned land through voluntary exchange arrangements and redevelop the properties into affordable homes and serviced residential lots for Antiguans and Barbudans.

Officials said the community infrastructure component is intended to create more livable neighbourhoods while supporting small economic activity such as local vending.

Cabinet approved the programme this week along with an initial allocation of $500,000 to begin implementation. Authorities said the initiative will be rolled out in phases, starting with a pilot programme that will seek to acquire approximately 25 parcels of land across selected constituencies for redevelopment.

Government officials said the programme is designed to address housing constraints while also ensuring that new developments incorporate shared spaces that benefit residents and surrounding communities.