GREAT BAY--Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication Grisha Heyliger-Marten says the Philipsburg Beautification and Revitalization initiative remains active and is moving toward implementation, with Government pursuing a phased series of projects aimed at transforming the capital into a more attractive, accessible and economically active destination.
The initiative includes continued development of the Soualiga Marketplace, proposed improvements to Clem Labega Square, additional parking capacity, improved lighting, landscaping, streetscape upgrades, public-space improvements and new features intended to strengthen the overall experience of Philipsburg for residents, visitors and businesses.
Heyliger-Marten said the objective extends beyond improving the physical appearance of the capital. Government’s wider aim is to revitalize and activate Philipsburg, encouraging visitors and residents to spend more time in town while generating greater activity for businesses.
“The broader vision is to make Philipsburg a destination within the destination, somewhere people want to explore, photograph, dine, shop and spend more time, ultimately generating greater economic activity for businesses in the capital,” the Minister told Parliament.
Heyliger-Marten said she would not characterize the overall initiative as delayed, explaining that the Philipsburg revitalization effort was designed from the beginning as a phased, multi-year undertaking made up of several individual projects.
Different components can therefore advance at different speeds depending on design work, procurement, approvals, financing and coordination with the various stakeholders involved.
The 2027 budget is expected to continue that phased approach, with resources directed toward improvements to public spaces, lighting, accessibility and the overall attractiveness of Philipsburg.
The Minister said the long-term objective remains the coordinated revitalization of the capital through a series of investments rather than a single intervention.
The redevelopment of Clem Labega Square remains an important part of the wider plan.
The project includes approximately 100 additional parking spaces and forms part of broader planning for the civic district.
That planning also incorporates the former Post Office site, Clem Labega Square and the proposed Parliament building, along with traffic circulation, pedestrian movement, accessibility and public spaces.
A longer-term multi-story parking facility remains under consideration as part of that wider civic-district concept.
Heyliger-Marten said parking is an important component of the revitalization effort, but it is not the sole objective.
Government’s wider intention is to improve how people move through Philipsburg and create a town that is easier to access, navigate and enjoy.
The Ministry is also continuing to explore public-private partnerships as part of the revitalization program.
Heyliger-Marten said Government is considering whether partnerships with the private sector could support individual components of the redevelopment and help sustain long-term improvements in the capital.
The possible establishment of a City Manager is also being explored as a means of supporting the management, coordination and continued activation of Philipsburg.
Future projects are also expected to include decorative and interactive features, designated photo locations and other attractions intended to make Philipsburg more appealing and shareable online.
Heyliger-Marten said the visual experience of a destination has become increasingly important in modern tourism, with visitors helping to market destinations through photographs, videos and social media content.
Creating recognizable and attractive locations throughout Philipsburg could therefore support both the visitor experience and the wider promotion of the capital.
The Ministry intends to advance initiatives in 2027 involving improved lighting, landscaping, streetscape enhancements, public spaces and additional visitor attractions.
The continued development of the Soualiga Marketplace also remains among the key projects within the Philipsburg revitalization program.
Together with the planned improvements to Clem Labega Square and other public spaces, the project forms part of Government’s effort to create more activity throughout the capital and strengthen Philipsburg as a commercial and tourism destination.
Heyliger-Marten said further details on the individual projects and their implementation timelines will be provided as the various components advance.
The overall goal, she said, remains to transform Philipsburg into a safer, more vibrant and accessible capital where residents, businesses and visitors have more reasons to spend time, while ensuring that public investments also contribute to increased economic activity.
