We decided to share this article with readers of BAHAMAS CHRONICLE, which has a huge following among the Bahamian diaspora across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom as well as in The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean. Grand Bahama 242 News published this article by Barbara Walkin on Thursday, May 7, 2026. The article can be found here.
By BARBARA WALKIN
barbara@barefootmarketing.net
Residents across Grand Bahama are reacting with excitement and cautious optimism following recently released ‘grand’ redevelopment plans for the Grand Lucayan Resort and surrounding properties expected to exceed $700 million in investments.
The long-anticipated plans were confirmed by Counsel and Attorney-at-Law Terence Gape, Senior Partner at Dupuch & Turnquest, who revealed that the firm represents purchaser and resort developer Concord Wilshire Capital Group, headquartered in Miami, Florida, in the transaction involving the sale and redevelopment of the Grand Lucayan properties.
News of the project’s plans were discussed across the island, particularly among residents whose livelihoods are closely tied to tourism.
Taxi driver Alexander Brown said many drivers have struggled for years since the closure and decline of major hotels on the island.
“Grand Bahama has been needing something like this for a long time,” Mr Rolle told Around da Islands. “Taxi drivers have it hard, but if they really build all of this and tourists start coming back in big numbers, it could change plenty lives.”
Another taxi operator, Craig Smith, said residents are hopeful but cautious after hearing redevelopment promises over the years.
“People want to actually see construction start,” he said. “We’ve heard announcements before, but this sounds much bigger than anything we’ve heard in years. If it happens, it could wake this island back up.”
Photo: BARBARA WALKIN
Straw vendors at Port Lucaya Marketplace also welcomed the announcement, saying increased visitor traffic could provide badly needed relief for small businesses.
Vendor Daina Darville said the prospect of one million cruise passengers annually could significantly boost sales.
“Right now, we have slow days and no days,” she said. “If the cruise visitors come over here and the marketplace gets revived, that would help all the vendors, hair braiders, jewellery sellers … everybody.”
Another vendor, Angela Mack, said she hopes local entrepreneurs will be included in the redevelopment plans.
“We don’t want all foreign stores and foreign businesses,” she said. “Grand Bahamians should get opportunities too. We need local people working, selling products, and benefiting from the tourists.”
Hospitality workers and former resort employees also expressed optimism that the project could bring long-awaited job opportunities back to the island.
Photo: BARBARA WALKIN
Former hotel worker Erica Black said many hospitality professionals have either migrated or changed careers since the Grand Lucayan downsized operations and eventually closed.
Ms Black said: “A project this size could bring hundreds, maybe thousands, of jobs during construction and after opening.”
Restaurant worker Virginia Knowles said renewed activity in the tourism sector could create ripple effects throughout the economy.
“When tourism is good, everybody feels it … taxi drivers, restaurants, shops, boat tours, everybody,” she said. “Grand Bahama needs energy again. People need confidence again.”
According to details released by developers, the project will dramatically transform the resort corridor, featuring a new 550-room Hilton-branded hotel and casino complex, expanded family accommodations, a second casino linked to a cruise resort development, a mega yacht marina, international shopping, and more than 20 restaurants.
The redevelopment also includes a major partnership involving MSC Cruises, which plans to acquire approximately 20 beachfront acres to create a large-scale beach destination capable of welcoming up to one million cruise visitors annually.
Photo: BARBARA WALKIN
Several aging hotel buildings are slated for demolition, although the historic Manor House and Breakers Cay buildings are expected to be preserved and integrated into the new vision for the property.
Developers also confirmed plans to redevelop the Reef Golf Course into a championship-level course and revitalize nearby tourism assets including Port Lucaya Marketplace, the Port Lucaya Marina, and the Grand Lucayan Yacht Club.
In a related deal, the Xanadu tract and surrounding beachfront acreage totalling approximately 28 acres is reportedly being sold to an affiliated cruise line group for $40 million.
Developers say one of the major distinctions of the MSC beach development is that it will remain accessible not only to cruise passengers but also to overnight visitors and the wider public, creating a more integrated tourism product for Grand Bahama.
The project further includes plans for international shopping, at least 20 new restaurants, and renewed investment interest in Port Lucaya Marketplace, the Port Lucaya Marina, and the Grand Lucayan Yacht Club.