On the 22nd of March,
a place check was carried out by us the University of the West Indies students
of Urban Geography on two sites, the Water Front Center and Belmont both
located in our city capital. In both instances we were to determine what we
appreciated about the areas and what we disapproved. Also what needed to be
change and how fast. In addition to what problems were evident and how we could
improve on it.
Water Front Center Place Check
The
Water Front Center offers a relaxing open space for all individuals. However it
was designed as a tourist attraction for those staying in the HYATT Regency
Hotel located directly to the front of it. What is aesthetically pleasing about
the area is it combines the beauty of nature into a more modern scene. Palm trees
and other beauty plants are planted on the walkways of the Water Front (see
picture 1). this in addition to the cool view of the ocean provides city folk
with a breath of fresh air from the concrete jungle they occupy.
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| Picture 1: The combination of nature into the Water Front's open space. |
In addition
the water front allows for the generation of third places which allows for
social interaction. The nearby Breakfast Shed is a hotspot food outlet for all
individuals which uses the scenic view of the Water Front as part of the
selling point to attract customers. This has been very successful in bringing
people from the city and those who use the transport services like the bus and water
taxi into one general area where socializing can occur. There is also a open
lobby to the back of the HYATT Regency Hotel which allows guests and the public
a place to sit, converse and enjoy the beauty of the front in a cool relaxed
ambiance (see picture 2).
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| Picture 2: Open lobby viewing the Water Front. |
Aside from these positive there are some
improvements that can be made. Firstly being an open place the Water Front
allows anyone of the public to access it. This provides security issues which
appear to be inadequately met. On our visitation we were previewed to a
homeless man who partially disrobed himself in the open space. Therefore, at
current time it should be a priority in setting up security posts along the
front which can prevent such occurrences and allow for peace of mind by the
users of the space.
Furthermore
there was a lack of warning notices along the Water Front. For such a long stretch
of space that attracts people of all ages, one sign denouncing the use of
caution due to proximity to the deep ocean, located to the left end of the
front, seems highly inadequate (see picture 3). This is especially concerning
when there are no personnel on hand to offer assistance if one were to have an
accident. Therefore, there should be more caution signs placed along the
stretch immediately. In addition at least one post for emergency personnel
should be available at the site.
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| Picture 3: Single sign on the Water Front highlighting the caution which must be exhibited. |
Belmont Place Check
Belmont
is a residential zone housing people who fall mainly in the lower middle class
bracket. It is however, an area with extensive history, with the existence of
cultural places such as mas camps. Its urban design tells the story of its beginning
from as far back as the plantations during colonial times. Its communities are
quite interactive with one another since the buildings in this area is so
tightly grouped. In addition there exists a wonderful spiritual background in
the area such as Radaism practiced by the Rada community. Although with all
these bright features, Belmont has many issues which need to be resolved.
Firstly
there has been minimum urban planning in the area. Houses are packed in
extremely close proximity which demotes privacy in the area. Roadways are very
narrow which causes transport issues to the furthest parts of the community. There
is very little room for sidewalks hence, pedestrians are forced to walk on the
roads in most areas providing a hazard risk for accidents (see picture 4). Therefore,
new infrastructural development and planning is needed in the medium to long
term. This planning should seek to solve all these issues while at the same
time minimizing the impact on people's lives.
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| Picture 4: View of a street in Belmont showing several issues mentioned about infrastructural development. |
In addition
to this it is the view that Belmont needs more activities for their younger
generation. There is very little spaces for activities such as sports due to
the lack of planning. This has been a factor in the increased crime levels
faced in the area. Hence new facilities offering children positive things to do
in their free time is needed in the short term. Places live community centers
and parks should be made available in the near future.
Finally
Belmont's history and culture needs to be highlighted and preserved. Some work
is being done by organizations such as the Free Town Foundation. However the
culture of this area goes unnoticed and is quickly dying due to the lack of
promotion. Hence there is immediate need for more organizations and community activities
which promote the local culture. Also better tours should be given in the area
as to highlight its history and bring more nationwide interest to the area.
