Parliament on Tuesday approved the acquisition of an additional parcel of land on St. Mary’s Street to facilitate the expansion of the National Performing Arts Centre, despite concerns raised by the Opposition over compensation and the impact on property owners.
The declaration authorizes the government to acquire approximately 0.05 acres adjacent to the former Deluxe Cinema, which is being redeveloped into an 875-seat performing arts venue expected to host the opening ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
Presenting the resolution, Minister of Social and Urban Transformation Rawdon Turner said the land is required to satisfy security, safety and operational requirements for the facility.
“Without vision, the people perish,” Turner told legislators. “In order to ensure that the performing arts in Antigua and Barbuda does not perish, this administration has made a decision that we will transform the Deluxe Theatre into the Performing Arts Theatre of Antigua and Barbuda.”
Turner said the project has been developed with input from local cultural stakeholders and international experts from the United Kingdom and United States. He said the completed facility will feature advanced acoustics, modern lighting systems, digital display technology, dressing rooms and accessibility features.
“We have changed the entire configuration of the building and established a stage area that would rival any facility in the Caribbean,” he said.
According to the minister, the additional land will accommodate a dedicated VIP entrance and exit, emergency access routes and supporting infrastructure needed for major events, particularly those involving visiting heads of government and other dignitaries during CHOGM.
Turner also disclosed that part of the expansion will include a wastewater treatment system designed to handle large crowds.
“Calculations show that an event with 875 persons can generate approximately 20,000 gallons of liquid waste in a day, and that has to be properly treated,” he said.
He said the lower level of the planned structure will house the treatment facility, while the upper level will contain administrative offices and a dance studio.
The minister noted that the government has already acquired the neighboring Glorious building, which is expected to provide additional restroom facilities, concession areas and a recording studio.
Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle questioned whether the acquisition had the support of affected property owners and criticized the lack of information provided to lawmakers.
“We don’t have the information, and I cannot come and support something and people are outside hurting,” Pringle said.
He argued that Parliament had not been given a valuation of the property or sufficient details about compensation arrangements and said he could not support the measure under those circumstances.
Government members defended the acquisition, arguing that it is necessary to complete a project they say will strengthen the country’s cultural infrastructure and create a modern venue for performances, conferences and national events.
The declaration was ultimately approved by the government majority, clearing the way for the acquisition process to proceed.