Beau Vallon promenade redevelopment begins |22 February 2024

The area where the development will take place (Photo: Sunny Esparon)

Phase one of the Beau Vallon promenade officially begins today, and members of the public are advised to be aware of marked trees that will be cut down in the area where the project is set to take place.

Approximately 30 trees have already been marked, following permission from the forestry department and the redevelopment project will be done in a controlled area. It is estimated that all the designated trees will be removed within two weeks.

This was announced in a press briefing yesterday morning at the Beau Vallon site by the chief executive of the Enterprise Seychelles Agency (Esa) Lisa Lautoy and chief operations officer of the Seychelles Infrastructure Agency (SIA), Keith Arnephy.

Members of the public are also informed that the existing parking area, where the redevelopment is taking place, will no longer be available. However, provisions are being made for customers who will be using the artisanal facilities.

Ms Lautoy said they are taking precautionary measures, including putting up barriers.  

“This is why we are doing the announcement early, to make sure that the public is aware that we are putting up barriers,” said Ms Lautoy.

According to Ms Lautoy the tree felling exercise will not affect the existing kiosks and the barriers will prevent any potential incidents that may arise.

For his part, Mr Arnephy noted there will be heavy machinery operating in the areas as soon as the trees are removed to begin the construction phase.

“We are expected to be done in the third quarter of 2024,” said Mr Arnephy.

The tourism establishments have also been notified of the redevelopment and the expected noise pollution in the area.

The project was scheduled to start in September but was delayed as it was difficult to relocate all the food vans on time.

“It took some negotiations but we were finally able to make them move, and this was followed with delay on the administrative side,” explained Ms Lautoy.

Meanwhile, Esa said the expression of interest launched last year for the provision of food and beverage in the area is completed and successful candidates have already been notified.

Esa will be meeting with them soon regarding the lease agreement.

The second expression of interest for artisanal kiosks will begin in March.