The Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation has initiated a comprehensive demolition campaign targeting dilapidated and abandoned structures throughout St. John’s, marking a significant step in the government’s ongoing urban revitalization initiative. This strategic move aims to enhance public safety standards and restore the architectural integrity of Antigua’s capital city.
Urban Development Minister Rawdon Turner identified the primary structure currently undergoing demolition on Lower Newgate Street as having remained unoccupied and structurally compromised for over ten years. The demolition protocol follows a series of formal amenity orders issued to property holders during the latter part of the previous year. These official notices provided landowners with a designated timeframe to undertake necessary repairs or address critical maintenance issues before the ministry proceeded with enforcement measures.
The urban renewal program represents a coordinated effort between multiple government agencies to address longstanding concerns regarding structural instability, potential fire hazards, and criminal activity associated with neglected properties. Minister Turner emphasized that the initiative balances property rights with community welfare, ensuring due process while prioritizing public safety concerns.
Government officials have indicated that additional properties across the capital meeting similar criteria for demolition have been identified for subsequent phases of the urban improvement campaign. The ministry plans to continue its systematic approach to urban renewal throughout the coming fiscal year.