GREAT BAY--Construction of the new Soualiga Marketplace has reached a major milestone with the pouring of its foundation and floor slab, moving the project from its preparatory stage into full construction.
Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication Grisha Heyliger-Marten was on hand to witness the concrete pour on Thursday. With the foundation now in place, the structure of the new marketplace is expected to begin taking shape in the weeks ahead.
“It is a place where people earn a living, where visitors encounter something authentically St. Maarten, and where our small entrepreneurs should be able to work with dignity and confidence. The foundation being poured means we are moving beyond plans and procedures into a phase where people can finally see the new Soualiga Marketplace becoming real,” Minister Heyliger-Marten said.
The project has required months of design coordination, technical reviews, permits, contract administration and financing before construction could advance to this stage.
TEATT has confirmed that the major materials required for the next phases of construction are now on island, allowing activity at and around the project site to increase as work progresses.
Minister Heyliger-Marten said the Ministry’s focus is not simply on replacing the previous structure, but on delivering a marketplace that properly serves vendors while improving an important part of the visitor experience in Philipsburg.
“We should not be satisfied with simply replacing a structure,” she said. “Our vendors deserve a marketplace that is practical, welcoming and worthy of the products and services they offer. St. Maarten’s visitors should leave with a stronger connection to the people and enterprise behind our destination.”
The new Soualiga Marketplace is planned to feature improved accessibility, upgraded infrastructure, better pedestrian movement and public facilities, creating a more organized and modern environment for local vendors.
As construction activity intensifies, the Ministry is asking motorists and pedestrians to respect all barriers, signage and traffic directions in and around the project area.
Parking on sidewalks or within restricted construction zones is prohibited and may result in enforcement action, including towing.
TEATT said it will continue to provide vendors and the wider public with updates as reconstruction of the Soualiga Marketplace progresses.
