Logo
Print this page

All Clear for SXM Airport Cargo Building Construction to Take Off

SIMPSON BAY, SXM Airport-The Princess Juliana International Airport, SXM, has concluded the remaining three contracts concerning the multi-million dollar renovation works of its cargo building, and all is now clear for construction to take off. 

“As part of its strategic plan to become the cargo hub of the region, SXM Airport included in its Capital Improvement Program, plans to further develop and stimulate its cargo market segment,” Managing Director Regina LaBega said.

“The existing cargo building is not in the best of conditions and is in dire need of refurbishing. Therefore, we had a design made for its renovation and extension that includes additional cargo and office space,” she explained.

It will be recalled that following a public bidding process by invitation, in which some 14 contractors participated, Talisien Construction NV was selected as the main contractor for the renovation works.

A tender for the renovation and extension was prepared by Studio Acht Caribbean Architects NV, which is also serving as architect and building manager of the cargo renovation project, after it won the bid for the Supervision and Project Management works. This includes pre-operational works, management and coordination, daily site supervision, and assistance with the overall finalization of the project. Studio Acht will also be providing the airport with monthly updates on the ongoing renovation works, following the recent signing of the relevant contract with SXM.

“We are very honored to be able to realize one of our first projects on St. Maarten,” said Bruce van Heseteren of Studio Acht Caribbean Architects, which has done work for the Ministry of VROMI, the St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies, Arrindell Aviation, and the Philipsburg Jubilee Library among others on the island. The company has 15 years experience in the Caribbean region, including in Aruba, Bonaire, Saba, Dominica, and Surinam.

“Three years ago, we took our first serious steps to expand our scope in the field of Architecture on St. Maarten. We invested a lot of effort to present our approach of building projects which combines creativity with realism. Designs that look like a daydream but always, from the preliminary stage till technical development, are based on realistic building costs matching the available budgets,” van Heseteren said.

Rollfix Caribbean won the bid for the electrical works at the Cargo building.  The contract includes all materials, supply, labor and installations.

“Rollfix has been working very hard since we started our business in 2010. Winning the bid for such a great project from PJIAE is a big reward for all the hard work but even more a huge motivation to continue providing service and good quality work for the people and businesses of St Maarten,” said managing director of the company, Rob van Rooij.

Rollfix will be working together mainly with two local subcontractors, one for general electrical work and one for data and telephone installations, Van Rooij added.

The steel structure of the new Cargo Building will be manufactured in the Netherlands by known steel structure manufacturer, the Van Sluisveld Group. The existing steel structure is still in good shape, and will remain. However, another steel structure will be added to allow for a new floor, and create eight additional office spaces, and a canteen.

The Van Sluisveld Group designs, produces and installs steel and aluminum components for commercial buildings and for the industrial, tourist, agricultural and petrochemical sectors in The Netherlands and throughout the world. The company has also done work for the Oyster Pond Resort and The Cliff in St. Maarten.

The construction will be executed in two phases in order to allow the Cargo Operators to remain operational. Temporary offices will be constructed to accommodate the cargo handlers during the construction period.

“We must cater to the expansion by upgrading our facilities accordingly,” said LaBega. (SXM Airport)

Copyright © 2015 Soualiga Newsday - All rights reserved.