In 1995 the South Trinidad Chamber of Industry and Commerce had advocated certain changes in San Fernando to revitalise the City.
Among the recommendations was the development of a new waterfront to stimulate economic activities in the construction sector. The Chamber also saw it as a means of preventing further erosion along the coast.
It also suggested a Marina, thereby opening up San Fernando to international visitors. Together with this it was planned to develop a service area with restaurants, nightspots, a promenade, theatres and a museum. It was also recommended that a permanent home be established for the last train to San Fernando with its own railway line servicing the waterfront areas.
Given the level of interaction between Port of Spain, Point Lisas, and Point Fortin it recommended the reintroduction of a ferry system along the western coast with a view to accessing the Venezuelan/South American market.
If San Fernando is truly the Industrial Capital of Trinidad and Tobago, an Energy Complex should be established. The Chamber had recommended that it be located in the vicinity of San Fernando Technical School, with direct access to Point Lisas and LABIDCO in the south. It sought to have a Convention centre housed in the Complex.
The Technical School at Tarouba was earmarked to be upgraded to a Technical University to supply the needs of labour and technical skills needed for industry.
The Chamber was proposing a southern airport south of Gasparillo and east of the Solomon Hochoy Highway. The airport would cater for light aircraft, small jets, and helicopters with connectors to the existing International Airport at Piarco. A new city centre was proposed with San Fernando Street in the north and Keate Street in the south, the foreshore area in the west and Coffee Street in the east.
The Chamber said the proposed government Office Complex in Chancery Lane is the first of many buildings needed as a centre for government offices and including the lending and research library. The South Chamber has also agreed that another Government Complex at Kings Wharf would greatly accelerate the expansion of the city centre. Such a building should house a new Warden's Office and the Register of Births and Deaths.
With the proposed growth of the city more hotels would be needed. It suggested the Pointe a Pierre Yacht Club and Pointe a Pierre Staff Club as two buildings offering excellent opportunities for hotel development.
The traffic Management Division had clearly stated that road linkages between north and south are lacking and that congestion in the city centre is a major problem that requires the creation of a new ring road with direct link from the Soloman Hochoy Highway.
It stated that the name of Harris Promenade should not changed since it is important to remember all the contributors to our history.
The proposed beautification, pedestrianisation and extension to the hub at the Kings Wharf will offer a strong link between the traditional down town San Fernando and the expanded commercial centre extending from the Library to the waterfront.
A number of places were identified for recreation and leisure. These include
Union Park, Palmiste Park, Skinner Park, Pleasantville Recreational Park, San
Fernando Hill, San Fernando Yacht Club, Pointe a Pierre Club House and Pointe
a Pierre Yacht Club.
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