Export Barbados (BIDC) has announced a significant expansion of its shared-use automotive service facilities program, nearly two years after launching its pioneering pilot location. Chief Executive Mark Hill revealed to Parliament members that the economic development agency is actively acquiring land parcels across multiple parishes to establish new commercial hubs specifically designed for roadside mechanics and autobody repair specialists.
The initiative builds upon the successful Grazettes Industrial Estate model inaugurated in 2024, which demonstrated the viability of providing professional workspaces for automotive professionals. According to Hill’s parliamentary address, the expansion strategy includes three major developments: a three-acre facility at Six Roads, a substantial five-acre complex in Kendal (Christ Church), and an additional northern corridor location currently in the site identification phase.
These facilities will incorporate innovative vertical storage solutions to address the critical challenge of vehicle storage during parts procurement periods. The design approach combines in-house architectural planning with collaborative feedback from mechanics themselves, ensuring practical functionality alongside modern infrastructure.
Hill emphasized the particularly high utilization during rally seasons and acknowledged the substantial unmet demand for professional workspace solutions among automotive tradespeople. The Kendal facility specifically is planned as a regional hub serving multiple parishes, reflecting the strategic scale of this infrastructure investment. While initial St Michael parish plans encountered land availability issues, the agency continues pursuing alternative options to serve this high-demand area.
The comprehensive program represents a structured response to informal sector challenges, providing legitimate commercial spaces that enhance service quality, operational efficiency, and professional working conditions for Barbados’ automotive repair industry.