The long-anticipated expansion of The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus is one step closer to construction, with the design phase now officially complete.

Education Minister Daryl Matthew met on Tuesday with representatives from the Saudi Fund for Development, the government’s development partners on the project, to review progress and next steps.

“Today’s meeting is really the first of about four days of sessions with the development team, the project management team, the government, and other stakeholders to get an update on where things are,” Matthew explained.

Renderings for the dormitory buildings and sports complex have been finalized, while the construction drawings are expected to be completed within weeks. Once finalized, the project will be sent out for international tender.

The minister noted that construction of the new Five Islands Primary School — which must be relocated to make room for the campus — has already begun.

According to Matthew, the new campus will feature modern and sustainable designs, including solar panels, water treatment systems, full IT integration, and accessibility features. A highlight of the development will be the School of Computing and Artificial Intelligence, aimed at embedding computer science across disciplines.

“It’s a very modern campus with a modern curriculum. It will transform our country. It will transform our region. And I’m so happy that I’m alive to see this happen,” the minister said.

Following the 90-day tendering process and contractor selection, construction is set to begin. Matthew emphasized that the expansion addresses the OECS region’s low tertiary education attainment rate by improving access to higher education opportunities.