Motorists who regularly park along one of St. John’s most trafficked downtown streets are being advised of an immediate and indefinite parking restriction, as construction activity on the capital’s new Performing Arts Centre enters a more demanding phase.
Motorists will no longer be permitted to park along a section of High Street as construction work on the new Performing Arts Centre moves into a more intensive phase. The change takes effect immediately and applies to High Street between Cross Street and Temple Street, according to Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant, who made the announcement during Friday’s post-Cabinet media briefing.
Why the Restriction is Necessary
Merchant said the restriction is intended to improve access for construction vehicles working on the project and reduce congestion in the area. Contractors have encountered difficulties moving large trucks and equipment through the corridor while vehicles are parked along the roadway.
Cement trucks and other heavy vehicles regularly access the site, making it necessary to keep the roadway clear. The parking restriction was implemented following discussions involving the Traffic Department as construction on the facility progresses.
Find Alternative Parking
Officials have advised motorists to make alternative parking arrangements when conducting business in the area. The affected stretch encompasses the section of High Street surrounding the Performing Arts Centre construction site and extends toward nearby businesses, meaning patrons of shops, offices, and other establishments in the vicinity will need to plan accordingly.
The Performing Arts Centre is one of the government’s major infrastructure projects currently under construction in St. John’s. When completed, the facility is expected to become the premier venue for cultural, theatrical, and entertainment events in Antigua and Barbuda — a centrepiece of the capital’s urban renewal and creative industry ambitions.
The public is asked to comply with the parking restriction to facilitate the smooth and safe progression of construction works. Vehicles parked in contravention of the order may be subject to removal by the Traffic Department.
