An initiative is being explored to create a central area in The Valley, Anguilla, to be called a Market Square. The proposal, by the Ministry of Home Affairs, was the subject of a well-attended public consultation at the Wallblake Conference Centre on Wednesday, December 18.
The proposed Market Square, to be located west of St Mary’s Anglican Church, is seen as a revival of the greater Valley area. It is to encompass the existing Peoples’ Market and its immediate environs as well as adjacent lands, amounting to a quarter of an acre in scope.
The aim is to showcase arts and crafts, clothing, food (Food vans and stalls) fish and meat, agricultural produce and general entertainment.
Presentations were made by Mr Jerome Roberts, Minister of Home Affairs; Mr Leslie Hodge, Director-designate of Lands and Surveys, Mr Leslie Hodge; and Mr Aron Ruan, Architectural Officer at the Department of Infrastructure, Communications, Utilities and Housing. There were various questions and views from a number of persons in attendance which contributed much to the lively discussion.
At present, the area is used occasionally by the Anguilla Tourist Board, in cooperation with other stakeholders for what is called “The Valley Street Festival.”