Six architectural firms tendered for Governor’s residence

Six architectural firms were invited to tender for the construction of the residence and specifically to provide services regarding construction of the official residence of the Governor of the Central Bank. Governor Ewart Williams, who officially demits office on July 16 after serving two five-year terms, yesterday turned the sod at Lot #47, Ellerslie Park, Circular Road, Maraval, for construction of the official residence of the Governor of the Central Bank.

In a statement issued yesterday following the mid-morning sod-turning ceremony, the Central Bank said the six firms were invited to tender for:
• architectural designs
• civil/structural designs
• mechanical/electrical designs
• interior design
• quantity surveying services
• landscape design

“Out of the bank’s tender process, a team of consultants, led by the firm of Bynoe Rowe Wiltshire Partnership, was selected. During the 2009-2011 period, designs were developed and approved and the necessary approvals obtained from statutory agencies. In the next few weeks, the bank will be inviting tenders for the construction of the residence.”

Alternate accommodations

The statement said the official residence of the Governor of the Central Bank has traditionally been located in the community of Ellerslie Park. “The last Governor to occupy this residence was Governor (William) Demas, who resided there until 1992. On his departure from the bank, it was decided that the residence was no longer habitable and it was demolished for safety and security reasons.

“Governors (Ainsworth) Harewood, (Winston) Dookeran and (Ewart) Williams were accommodated at an alternate location at Trinidad Crescent in Federation Park. “Over the years, this aging property has become significantly expensive to maintain and the construction of a large townhouse development by the State in close proximity to the residence has made it less convenient for the hosting of official functions,” read the Central Bank statement.