GT Boardwalk

Connecting town and sea

A continuous waterfront walk reframes George Town’s edge as shared civic space.

This private initiative by 16 landowners for a boardwalk in George Town was conceived to provide pedestrian public space along the North Harbour Front and to string businesses together along one continuous strip. This part of town, with idyllic Caribbean views over the ocean, is surprisingly inaccessible and dangerous for people on foot. A road shoulder provides little space to walk, negatively affecting the urbanism of an area with so much potential. Initially proposed to provide more footfall for businesses, the project has become a growing placemaking initiative along this vibrant street with its rich cultural and historical past.

In addition to improving safety through the construction of a sidewalk, the project makes several contributions along this quarter-mile strip fronting the water. These include better automobile and pedestrian traffic flow, more footfall for businesses, an increase in cruise-visitor appreciation, light-touch historical education through a network of plaques, and better commercial connectivity. With beautiful views over the Caribbean Sea, this public space is designed to attract locals and tourists alike. Shade and rest areas are provided, as well as better access to a beach intended to operate as a park in the centre of town.

Collaborators / CI Sheet Metal / Hill Construction / Cayman Islands Government.