Construction on Antigua and Barbuda’s Fort James Renaissance Park could begin as early as September as the government moves ahead with plans to transform the area into a new tourism, business and entertainment space.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced the timeline during his weekly radio programme on June 20, saying the project will include beach enhancement works, restaurants, recreational facilities and improvements to the surrounding area.

“The plan is to redirect a lot of the tourism traffic to Fort James,” Browne said.

He said the government has set aside $5 million from the settlement of a tax dispute with Sandals Resorts to help launch the project, while a private developer who approached the state has expressed interest in investing up to $12 million.

Browne said any development must preserve the character of the 18th century fort.

Despite private sector involvement, the prime minister stressed that residents and visitors will continue to have unrestricted access to the beach and other public amenities.

He said the project is also aimed at creating more economic opportunities for locals by opening up space for shops, restaurants and other businesses.

Current vendors operating on the beach will be given priority when opportunities become available to lease spaces and develop their own businesses, Browne said.

“I think this is a welcomed development and certainly an expansion of our tourism infrastructure in which the local people are fully integrated into it,” he said.

Browne said he hopes the site will see significant progress by Labour Day 2026.