THE Saint Lucia Air and Seaports Authority (SLASPA) says it is delighted to announce CBRE/ Heery, Inc., as the architect for the Hewanorra International Airport (HIA) Redevelopment Project.
This comes on the heels of much criticism by the opposition St. Lucia Labour Party of the process by which the government is going about the airport’s redevelopment.
According to SLASPA Heery is a leading full-service architecture, interior design, engineering, program and construction management firm with multiple offices throughout the United States of America. The Miami office is leading the efforts related to the HIA redevelopment project. With over 40 years of dedicated sustainable design and construction practices, the award-winning company is recognized as one of the best with its composition of industry-leading experts, delivering world class projects in sectors including aviation, corporate, health care, sports and education.
The company has a longstanding relationship with SLASPA which spans over a decade, having been selected as the architectural firm for both of the previous planning and design stages of the HIA Project. Their understanding of the industry, the demands of the aviation sector and the criteria which Saint Lucia aspires to meet, enabled a relatively smooth selection process for the Authority in recommitting to the company. Along with the authority, CBRE | Heery has ensured through the revised and modified plans for the new airport, that the finished product will meet the demands of the aviation industry and rival our neighboring Caribbean islands as one of the best airports in the region.
The Authority said that as a leader with extensive experience in providing architectural designs and program management for similar aviation projects, CBRE/Heery work includes the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Miami International Airport – North Terminal Development anjd Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
“It is an absolute pleasure to be entrusted with delivering the new hub which will be the Hewanorra International Airport. We understand the unique aspects of this project and we are excited to continue our working relationship with the very knowledgeable staff of SLASPA during this important design and construction stage,” said Fernando Gavarrete, Miami Office Managing Director for CBRE | Heery.
Acting General Manager of SLASPA, Daren Cenac expressed his delight in the project progressing into its final design and approval stages, and anticipation for its commencement.
“After years of strategic planning, revision and modification of plans, we are excited to be in the process of executing the blueprint. We have placed the utmost confidence in CBRE | Heery through their demonstrated experience in working with us to advance our vision for the new hub. We at SLASPA are satisfied with the approach and level of engagements undertaken by CBRE | Heery in proposing the suitable designs and look forward to a smooth and timely delivery process, that will result in an overall product that the country can be proud of,” Cenac said.
In ensuring that the blueprint for the project was in accordance with international standards, SLASPA has engaged the local, regional and international civil aviation stakeholders including; The International Air Transport Association (IATA), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA), the Ministry of Civil Aviation along with partners from the local airport community.
SLASPA’s consultation process also involved the Development Control Authority (DCA) and Ministry of Planning. The anticipated unveiling of plans to Saint Lucia is scheduled for the coming weeks.