As evidenced by its UNESCO inscription as a World Heritage Site, Bridgetown is steeped in a rich and consequential history. In 1628, recognizing the ideal circumstances of Carlisle Bay as an expansive sheltered mooring, with an inlet offering a natural inner harbour, the early English settlers chose this location to be the island’s capital city. Originally named ‘Indian Bridge Towne’, Bridgetown rapidly evolved into a pivotal hub in colonial trans-Atlantic mercantile trade, and a strategic headquarters for the Royal Navy. The main working area of the port, always bustling with stevedores loading and offloading ships, was known as the Pierhead.
Today – almost 400 years later – that same iconic location is undergoing a landmark transformation as part of a BB$200 million urban revitalization project. With Phase One currently under construction, The Pierhead will provide a modern, vibrant, and one of a kind mixed-use development where culture, community and commerce meet. Sensitively designed to honour the past while shaping the future, this visionary project will deliver a unique version of modern day life in a waterfront setting – a city vibe with lots of green spaces, on a magnificent beach bordering a protected marine park with shipwrecks.
Occupying some 21,000 square meters when completed, The Pierhead will feature 178 apartments, 35 food and beverage, retail and cultural spaces, plus a museum, gym and beach club, all thoughtfully integrated with shaded walkways. The historic Blackwoods Screw Dock will remain central as a proud witness to the heritage of The Pierhead, with a visitor attraction dedicated to the story of Barbados rum.
Phase One, The Steel Building, will deliver 39 apartments, dining and retail outlets, a beach club, transport links, a water taxi station, and public spaces including a heritage trail. In due course, The House of Pillars (2027-2028) and The Bridge House (2029-2031) will complete the district, layering even more depth and character into the waterfront.
Fully endorsed by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley as being, “essential to the revitalization of Bridgetown”, The Pierhead seems well poised to successfully deliver on its enormous potential.
Years ago, sitting at the old Waterfront Café, I felt the energy of this place – alive with conversation, music, and possibility. That’s when I knew I wanted to invest here. The Pierhead was once a vibrant port, full of stories – from trade and travel to struggle and resilience. This project is about honouring all of that and giving the site the future it truly deserves.”
– Neville Isdell, Founder & Investor, Former Chair and CEO of the Coca Cola Company
