The Government of Barbados is preparing to push forward long-delayed plans to transform derelict public and private buildings into homes, offices, and rental units as the island approaches its 60th anniversary of independence.
Housing Minister Chris Gibbs made the announcement while outlining his vision for rehabilitation and repurposing during the Technical and Vocational Education Training Council’s fourth Barbados Annual Construction and Design Conference at Sandals Royal, Maxwell, Christ Church.
View Investment Properties for Sale in Barbados
“Yes, they are still on the cards,” Gibbs confirmed. “My vision for the renovation, rehabilitation, and repurposing of derelict housing is that from here on now to next year, as we are on the road to 60 years of independence, derelict housing will repurpose.”
The initiative will provide shelter for those displaced by fire or disaster, office space for expanding government departments, and new rental units. Gibbs also stressed that addressing abandoned structures was vital to eliminating unsightly areas and curbing illegal occupation of such properties.
“On the road to 60, we need to do something about these houses because, quite frankly, they’re unsightly and can create security issues,” he said.
The government has long faced criticism for prioritizing new construction over restoring existing buildings. Gibbs noted that some of the targeted properties are government-owned, which simplifies the process: “If they’re government buildings and we have the title, then we certainly can do something about it. That’s low-hanging fruit.”
View Investment Properties for Sale in Barbados
The push to tackle derelict properties was previously announced by former Housing Minister Dwight Sutherland, who revealed that more than 25,000 derelict buildings and vacant lots exist across Barbados. He said at the time that a state-run enterprise would be established to spearhead the project, backed by a $700,000 grant from the Inter-American Development Bank.
While initial work was projected to start in 2025, Gibbs has confirmed that the revival of derelict buildings is now a top priority. “I’ve already raised this with my senior officials, and it’s high on our agenda,” he stated.
The project will begin in the urban corridor, complementing planned community transformation initiatives in Mason Hall Street and Green Fields.
View all of our Properties for Sale in Barbados
