The US$1 billion Seven Hills Beach Resort project for the Virgin Island’s St Croix, which has been in the pipeline for a decade, is one step closer to becoming a reality. In May last year the island’s Coastal Zone Management Committee approved a permit after an annual fee of US$11,426 was agreed for an area of submerged land. Last Friday The Senate Committee on Planning and Environmental Protection approved the permit, leading developer Robin Bay Realty to hope that full Senate approval can be obtained and construction start next year.

It is proposed to build the Seven Hills Beach Resort in four stages over twelve years. The initial stage would provide 422 hotel rooms, 56 timeshare condominiums and a 38,000 sq ft casino. When finally completed there will be four hotels with a total 870 rooms, 746 family homes, tennis courts, an 18-hole golf course, a water park, a 50,000 sq ft sports arena and a conference centre. The developers are in negotiations with international hotel brands to operate the resort.

An estimated US$300 million and two years are needed for the completion of the first phase. When the building permit gains final approval the developers will be in a position to arrange financial backing for their project. They will also apply for the tax breaks and benefits offered by the Virgin Island’s Economic Development Commission. The design of the resort includes solar panels for water heating and some electricity, and other energy reducing power sources such as wind power and geothermal energy are under consideration.

The development plans also include safeguards for a salt pond and wetland area on the property. A dirt road presently used illegally be some people for dumping rubbish will be closed and the salt pond properly reclaimed. The wetland will be protected from the resort by a retaining wall with a 50 ft set-back and the planting of vegetation. It is hoped that the Seven Hills Beach Resort will become part of a push to make St Croix a sports tourism destination. (E-06.22.10)

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