Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs, and Primary Sector, Mr. Geoffrey Wever, announces a public tender for the development of the former Esso Lagoen building into a boutique restaurant.
The Government of Aruba continues to shape its vision of revitalizing downtown Oranjestad with the announcement of a public tender process for the development of the former Esso Lagoen building as a boutique restaurant.
During a press conference at the location, the Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs, and Primary Sector, Mr. Geoffrey Wever, emphasized that the project is part of an integral vision to strengthen downtown Oranjestad as an attractive destination for visitors, entrepreneurs, and investors.
“We want an urban center where history and development go hand in hand. A city where we proudly conserve our cultural heritage while creating space for investment, innovation, and economic activity,” said Minister Wever.
The property, formerly known as the Esso Lagoen station, represents an important opportunity to give a new purpose to a site that has remained without an active function for many years. Through the public tender, the Government is looking for a strategic partner with the experience, vision, and commitment to transform the location into a project that adds value to downtown Oranjestad and Aruba’s economy in the form of a boutique restaurant.
The initiative follows other downtown revitalization projects, such as the beautification of Plaza Comercio on Columbusstraat and the restoration of the historic monument Cas Veneranda. The Government aims to give previously underutilized spaces a new purpose, contributing to a more vibrant, attractive, and economically strong Oranjestad.
In the tender process, the Government will focus on several important criteria, including integration with existing developments in downtown Oranjestad, the quality of the urban space, economic impact, and sustainability. Among others, the principle of Build with Nature will be an important criterion during evaluation. This principle aims to stimulate development that achieves a balance between economic growth and environmental protection.
According to Minister Wever, an active urban center creates investment opportunities, diversifies our economic activity and employment for local entrepreneurs, and strengthens Oranjestad’s position as Aruba’s commercial heart.
Minister Wever expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Mike Eman and Minister René Herde for the inter-ministerial cooperation that has made this next step possible in the vision and strategy to revitalize the city center.
The Government of Aruba invites all interested parties who meet the criteria to participate in the public tender process, which will be conducted in accordance with the principles of transparency, fair competition, and equal opportunity.
