The Waterfront:An Enticing Public Space

The Port of Spain Waterfront is perhaps the newest and most modern form of public space in the downtown area. It boast of spectacular oceanfront scenic views, a water fountain, amphitheater style seating, access to the water taxi terminal as well as the newly built, modernized Breakfast Shed. It was a shame that I could not capture the Waterfront at a more lively time and in its splendor (the fountain was off).

I chose to look at the waterfront because it reflects the a more modern planning process not typically associated with Trinidad's drive for modernity. The Waterfront public space was part of the Port of Spain International Waterfront Centre, a project which sought to boost the country's modern image and foster development. The Waterfront Project includes two, 26 storey office towers, The Hyatt Regency Hotel, an auditorium, 7 storey carpark, retail space and the largest conference space in the English Speaking Caribbean. The inclusion of a public space on prime real estate showcases the step in the right direction as it acknowledged the need for more green, open and public space in the heart of the city. Upon its completion it was a favorite and popular hang out spot for many couples and families, location for wedding and fashion shoots as wells as an arena for competitions and events during both day and night, something that the other public spaces in the city center were not known for. The pride and sense of community that this spaces provided and continues too is phenomenal.

Watertaxi on the waterfront

Quiet afternoon on waterfront

Fountain at the Waterfront

Stopping for a snack at the Breakfast Shed located on the Waterfront

As stated before these are just a few snippets of the waterfront public space but they do not truely reflect the vibrancy and dynamic uses of this space. So I thought I should add a video clip of a local Harlem Shake meme that was filmed on the Waterfront as it highlights some of the unique uses of this now landmark location in Trinidad, enjoy.