Chinese Government provides RMB 220 million grant for Thomas A Robinson National Stadium Construction Project

Project narrative

In August 2004, the Chinese Government agreed to provide an RMB 220 million grant to the Government of the Bahamas for the construction of the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium. Then, on August 9, 2006, Qilu Construction Group Corp. and the Government of the Bahamas signed a construction contract for the stadium. Construction began on July 10, 2006; however, construction stalled from 2006 until 2009 due to project design modifications. Construction officially restarted on July 10, 2009 with a new contractor, Shandong Hi-Speed Hubei Development Co., Ltd, and was completed on April 30, 2011. From May 26 to June 5, 2011, the stadium passed a final inspection to ensure building safety. On June 22, 2011, the Chinese Government officially handed over the stadium to the local Bahamian authorities. Then, on February 25, 2012, an opening ceremony took place. The National Stadium project sparked domestic concerns that the influx of Chinese laborers and contractors would limit employment opportunities for Bahamians. Ultimately, over 100 Bahamian entities provided goods and services for the stadium’s construction (accounting for 30% of project expenditure) and 326 Chinese nationals were hired to support the implementation of the project. Furthermore, the stadium occupies just over 190,000 sq ft, and it has 15,000 fixed seats, including sky boxes and a number of disabled-friendly seats. Other features include a state-of-the-art security surveillance system, audio/visual equipment, meeting rooms, offices and suites.