The second Disney tropical island in the Bahamas is already underway as the government of the Bahamas allowed Disney Cruise Line to buy Lighthouse Point, a property from Meritage Hospitality Group, that is due to serve as a new cruise port for Walt Disney.
On Saturday evening, March 9, Prime Minister Hubert Minnis spoke with local residents at a town meeting in Tarpum Bay about the signing of Heads of Agreement with Disney for their new port project, that will serve as an “entertainment facility,” in the Bahamas.
The project includes an investment by Disney of between US$250-US$400 million and involves the acquisition of around 190 acres. When finished, the new land will become an entertainment destination for Disney ships, similar to that of Castaway Cay.
Disney Cruise Line agreed to donate (as part of the purchase) the southernmost point of the property to the Bahamas Government, to be used for a national park and conservation. The appraised value of the single part of the land is US$6.29 million.
Core elements of the project include low-density development, sustainable design, public access as well as economic opportunities for Bahamian locals. Disney Cruise Line has committed to aiming for an overall ratio of 80% Bahamian workers during the building phase of the project. The company will also create as many as 150 permanent, sustainable jobs with health benefits in positions for Bahamians once the building is completed.
Construction will not begin until the Environmental Impact Assessment & Environmental Management Plan are reviewed and approved.