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By Kisean Joseph
[email protected]
The transformation of the former Deluxe Cinema into a National Performing Arts Center is finally moving forward after the government secured a grant to fund the long-delayed project, according to Ambassador Lionel Hurst, Chief of Staff in the Office of the Prime Minister.
The project, which has been in limbo since the government purchased the property in 2018, is now on track to be completed before Antigua and Barbuda hosts the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting next year.
“We’re now recovering from COVID, and we have raised the necessary resources,” Ambassador Hurst told reporters yesterday. “We’ve also been the recipient of a grant that will go towards the repurposing of the building, and there are some timelines connected to that grant.”
The government purchased the Deluxe Cinema building in 2018 with an initial promise of occupancy by January 2019. In June 2023, plans were announced to transform the property into a venue for arts and performing arts presentations, but progress stalled.
Ambassador Hurst attributed the delays primarily to the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism-dependent economy.
“The COVID-19 pandemic affected our economy severely. There were no airplanes landing, and there were no cruise ships causing passengers to spend resources in Antigua and Barbuda,” he explained. “As a consequence, all of the government’s resources were dedicated to ensuring that government employees received their monthly salaries and wages, and the plans for the transformation of the Deluxe Cinema building had to be put on hold.”
When questioned about concerns regarding the initial purchase, Ambassador Hurst defended the government’s decision, stating, “We don’t share the view that there was any outrage in the purchase of the building. We believe that those who opposed the purchase made lots of noise, but we know that investment in real estate, especially in St. John’s, is never a bad deal.”
He indicated that the building was purchased from a bank, not from the original owners, and was always intended “to serve a very useful purpose” for the nation.
The renovated facility aims to provide a world-class venue for Antiguan artists and performers. According to Ambassador Hurst, the government is working with top local and international architects on the project.
“We’re utilizing some of the best architects here in Antigua and also supplemented by those who have expertise in this particular area,” he said. “We’re depending on them to ensure that we could have the equivalent of a Carnegie Hall here in Antigua and Barbuda, so that our artists can become worldwide famous and attractive.”
Ambassador Hurst expressed optimism that the facility would be ready in time to showcase Antiguan culture to Commonwealth leaders next year.
“We are hoping that by the time we host the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting here in Antigua, next year, we’ll be able to have the Antigua Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra (ABYSO) and the theater so prepared that the heads of government who will come to Antigua for the Commonwealth Heads meeting might also be invited to experience some cultural evening here in Antigua and Barbuda at this refurbished facility,” he said.
The ambassador did not disclose the specific amount of the grant or the total estimated cost of the renovation project.
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