Repurposed government assets could support projects focused on community development, sports, and senior care in the future.
Lt. Col. David Burch, the Minister of Public Works, announced plans during the House of Assembly to repurpose schools that have closed or are set to close as part of ongoing education reforms.
Heron Bay School will take on two new roles. The upper level will be dedicated to co-operative enterprises, while the lower level and field will be leased to cricket legend Janiero Tucker, also known as “Mr. Cup Match,” for the establishment of a cricket academy.
Clearwater Middle School, currently closed, will be temporarily repurposed as it awaits its long-term transformation into a senior school. Minister Burch explained: “The school remains under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education, who have indicated that it will be temporarily repurposed for use as a special school so that the current vandalism and destruction can be arrested and the asset protected.”
Meanwhile, the Gilbert Institute, scheduled to close next year, will be converted into a facility to meet the island’s growing need for senior care.
Minister Burch stated: “To meet the high demand for seniors’ care, the government has decided to convert this site into a Seniors Care facility. The Ministry of Youth, Social Development, and Seniors, under whom this will fall, is already collaborating with the Ministry of Public Works to advance this initiative before the school closes so that conversion works can commence immediately upon closure.”
He concluded: “The opportunity to repurpose these buildings preserves their community impact and extends their legacy of positively influencing our communities.”
