WORK has resumed on the San Fernando Waterfront weeks after the Urban Development Corporation (UDeCOTT) invited proposals for the development of the site.The billion-dollar re-development project, which is intended to transform Trinidad’s southern city, had largely stalled following the April 2025 general election amid changes in government and shifting priorities under the new administration.However, the Express observed excavation work yesterday near the former fishing facility and wharf reclamation site.Under the previous People’s National Movement (PNM) government, several initial phases of the project had been completed, including the San Fernando reclamation, where 3,000 tonnes of armour rock were used to construct a revetment. The San Fernando Fishing Facility and a parking facility were also completed.By the end of 2024, UDeCOTT had told the Express that restoration of the Plaza San Carlos Heritage District and the Trinidad Government Railway Building had begun and was expected to be completed early this year.The demolition and decommissioning of the former Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) maintenance compound at Lady Hailes Avenue was also reported to be 95% complete. The site was earmarked for a mixed-use development.After taking office, the new United National Congress (UNC) government introduced a sweeping “Revitalisation” plan that incorporated elements of the waterfront redevelopment into its broader investment programme for San Fernando.Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said in November that the city would “shine once more.”Projects previously listed by UDeCOTT under the San Fernando Redevelopment programme including Plaza San Carlos, a harbour, hotel and transportation hub appear to remain part of the government’s plans.In February, Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John said UDeCOTT had received 965 expressions of interest for projects included in the revitalisation plan, including the San Fernando redevelopment.In late April, the Express reported that work was under way at the former PTSC bus yard, where the previous government had proposed 300 luxury housing units along Lady Hailes Avenue. The project had been criticised by Persad-Bissessar before last year’s general election.A billboard at the site promoting the development as luxury living “redefined” remained in place, while a fence was recently installed around the property.Last month, UDeCOTT issued a request for proposals inviting suitably qualified and experienced entities to submit bids for three separate projects: a San Fernando Hotel and Convention Centre; San Fernando Waterfront Park Residences; and San Fernando Waterfront Residences, Reclamation and Green Park.The deadline for submissions is October 7. UDeCOTT said the three projects are separate procurement exercises and that an online information session was held via Microsoft Teams on July 31.Under the Government’s revitalisation plan, the proposed 250-room San Fernando Hotel would include marina berths and rooftop dining, while a 10,000-seat convention centre and a 250-person amphitheatre are also planned along the coastline.The plan also proposes 1,500 housing units overlooking a mile-long beach and public park as part of the San Fernando Waterfront Residences development.