Pattaya City is moving forward with a mega infrastructure project proposal to upgrade the famous Cape Bali Hai area. Already approved at a public hearing attended by 300 representatives of government agencies and the private sector, the proposal will go to the Eastern Economic Corridor Board for consideration next before it is forwarded to the cabinet for approval. After that, a private company will be selected as a project partner.
This infrastructure project is expected to be a joint investment between the government and the private sector and includes three main parts:
- A terminal for cruise ships at the tip of the cape, with a two-story administration building;
- A recreation area by the Bali Hai boat pier, covering about 15-rai. There would be a four-lane access road and an open space for various activities. The waterfront would be expanded. Other structures to be built included a department store, a second boat pier, a skywalk, and a passenger terminal for the planned light electric train; and
- A 38,000-square-meter commercial area near the existing Walking Street, which would also be a new tourist attraction.
The proposed project is estimated to cost about 2.9 billion baht. Earlier, Phisut Technology Ltd was commissioned to conduct a feasibility study, which covered the economic, environmental and community impacts of the redevelopment.
(Sources: Bangkok Post, Pattaya Mail, Thailand Construction News)
