CUPECOY--Blue Mall-Blue Residences, a multi-million dollar project in Cupecoy, will pump US $1 million into the upgrading and recreation of a large section of Rhine Road, the main access road to the high-end mall and residences.
Blue Mall developers said this investment was necessary to improve the driving experience and overall safety for residents and island visitors, who ultimately would be shoppers in the mall. The road upgrading will start in the near future.
The new boulevard, from Sapphire Beach Club to the roundabout leading to the French border, will be lined with large palms and streetlights. The sidewalks will be created from paving stones.
"Residents will be able to safely walk along the tree-lined, lighted street from their hotel or residential unit to the mall, to do some grocery shopping at US Imports or one of the other 85 shops and restaurants in Blue Mall," the developers said.
The US $1 million contribution from the developers to the community is an added contribution to provide ease of access for residents and tourists. It will also complement the exterior features of the mall that include taxi and bus stops and valet service.
Public Works Commissioner Theo Heyliger met with Blue Mall developers Luis and Angel Gioia recently to get an insight into the project to be carried out by Windward Roads Infrastructure NV.
Heyliger commended the developers for focusing not only on their property, but on the overall area. "We cannot be short-sighted and only improve our immediate surroundings. Developers, in general, need to understand that they also have a responsibility to the community when they build."
Blue Mall says it is also poised to create some 500 jobs when construction is completed by mid-year, and the project will ultimately generate millions of dollars in new tax revenues.
The mall will offer high-end luxury brands such Ferragamo, Zegna, Guess, Diamonds International and Bulgari, among others, to service a niche market.
