Plays an important role in providing the space needed to enable the BVI financial service sector to grow and prosper. It also provides much needed accommodation for Government and statutory bodies.
Over the past 15 years, the Road Town market in the BVI has undergone significant transformation, with local landlords contributing over 500,000 square feet of new office space. This impressive expansion includes 440,000 square feet that are already in operation, complemented by an additional 63,000 square feet currently under construction. Such rapid development highlights a robust demand for modern office environments and reflects the region’s strategic emphasis on upgrading its commercial infrastructure.
Approximately two thirds of these new spaces are occupied by private sector tenants, notably companies in the financial services industry, along with law firms and accounting practices. These businesses are drawn to the state-of-the-art facilities and strategic locations that support their operational needs, helping to position the BVI as a burgeoning hub for professional services. The strong presence of these sectors not only bolsters the local economy but also enhances Road Town’s reputation as a center of financial and legal excellence in the region.
The remaining one third of the new office space is dedicated to government entities and agencies, underscoring the public sector’s role in the market’s evolution. This balanced allocation between private enterprises and public institutions ensures a stable and diversified demand for office space, contributing to a resilient commercial real estate market. Together, these developments signal a dynamic and forward-thinking approach to urban and economic planning in the BVI.
Buildings have increased in sophistication over this period, with changes in floor size, layout, services, and their capability to withstand natural disasters. As the market has grown, parking has become an increasingly important factor for tenants. Some of the newest buildings now meet the full parking requirements for Tenants. These include Waters Edge on Wickhams Cay II (now under construction and leasing) and Ritter House (built in 2011), one of the premier office addresses in Road Town.
Office buildings were put through their paces during Hurricane Irma and Maria in September 2017. The best of them survived almost unscathed proving the advantage of professional engineering design and robust construction. The owners of buildings that suffered damage learned from their experience and have rebuilt to higher standards, ready for the next encounter. The office leasing market was active in the wake of the storms. Almost all this activity was tenants relocating from damaged buildings. The pace of leasing activity slowed 2019 as tenants have settled into new space. In recent years there has been a notable trend towards smaller tenants.