EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CARDINALL AVENUE ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
JANUARY 2022
The George Town Revitalisation Initiative is a multi-year government enhancement project, led by the Ministry of Planning, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure, designed to bring life and vibrancy back to George Town.
Currently, less than 0.1% of the central business district is dedicated to green space so, part of the project is the introduction of new pocket parks and public spaces through the rezoning and regeneration of key downtown areas. This aims to create a more attractive destination for visitors and a richer urban experience for residents.
So what’s happening to Cardinall Avenue?
Cardinall Avenue has been identified as one of the key areas for enhancement, with the planned works expected to increase resident and visitor foot traffic, attract new businesses and boost private investment in the central business district.
The first phase of the works includes the pedestrianisation of the western section of Cardinall Avenue, from Seafarers Way to Albert Panton Street. Enhancements will also be made to the eastern section of Cardinall Avenue; however, this section of road will remain accessible to one-way vehicular traffic via Albert Panton Street.
Enhancement work will see existing asphalt replaced with colourful concrete pavers, new street lighting, landscaping and street furniture as well as important upgrades to existing infrastructure.
How will the road closure impact the flow of traffic into George Town?
During planning for the project, an initial assessment of the impact on general traffic flow through the town centre was undertaken and the Cardinall Avenue design and enhancements are reflective of this.
With the western section of Cardinall Avenue now permanently closed to general traffic, motorists can continue to use Mary Street, Fort Street or south Goring Avenue/Louise Llewellyn Way to access central George Town from Seafarers Way, as well as Albert Panton Street to access the eastern end of Cardinall Avenue.
The eastern section of Cardinall Avenue will temporarily close to general traffic for enhancement work, and the dates for this section of the road’s closure will be communicated nearer the time.
Will I still be able to visit the shops, cafes and businesses during the construction phase?
Throughout the project, Cardinall Avenue shops, cafes, and businesses will continue operations as usual, and all sidewalks remain open to foot traffic to visit these establishments.
Where should I park when visiting Cardinall Avenue?
There are more than 13,000 parking spaces in central George Town. Street parking remains on the eastern end of Cardinall Avenue as well as Edward Street, Main Street and Albert Panton Street. We are also exploring opportunities for additional parking bays on Seafarers Way and access to a designated parking lot nearby.
What about access for local deliveries, or in the event of an emergency on Cardinall Avenue?
Local access to the street continues for Cardinall Avenue businesses, their vendors and emergency services throughout the project.
Once the project is complete, police, fire, and EMS will be able to control retractable bollards at either end of the pedestrianised street, to access the street quickly in the event of any emergency. Vendors will be able to take advantage of a specially-designed delivery bay at the western end of the pedestrianised street.
How will the project benefit Cayman and its people?
It will create a renewed sense of pride
Our capital holds a special place in the hearts of Caymanians, with its rich history and many landmarks that remind us of times gone by. But it is in dire need of revitalisation to keep up with the needs of Cayman’s residents and visitors today.
Right from outset of the George Town Revitalisation Initiative, we have made our people and our locale a priority. We believe the enhancement plans under the initiative will help Caymanians begin to feel a sense of pride in and belonging to their city again.
It will bring life back to our capital
The Cardinall Avenue Enhancement Project is the largest project to date under the initiative, and will help to create the sense of a real place again; for real people to work, play, and eventually live, that few new developments can match in character and the lived-in quality of an urban area that has evolved over time.
It encourages wellbeing for our people and our planet
By creating spaces in the centre of George Town that are inherently safe to walk and play, and improving accessibility and connectivity throughout the central business district, we can enhance the experience and quality of life of George Town residents, workers and visitors.
In the future, you’ll be able to park your car in one of George Town’s 13,000 parking spaces and explore the city, run errands on foot, or hang out on specially-designed street furniture underneath shady mature trees - enjoying a healthy lifestyle and helping to reduce traffic pollution and congestion.
Where can I find more information on the different projects under the initiative?
Visit our Projects page or follow George Town Revitalisation on Facebook and Instagram for real-time project updates.