Barbados Welcomes Its First Shared-Use Mechanics Facility for Enhanced Roadside Services

Barbados now has its first shared-use mechanics facility built to provide roadside mechanics with a convenient commercial space in which to ply their trade.

The Bay Grazettes, constructed by Export Barbados (BIDC) at Grazettes Industrial Estate, offers 10 purpose-built spacious workshop areas with amenities for mechanics to operate in clusters and take their operations to the next level.

The Grazettes facility will serve as a pilot programme, and the knowledge and experience gained from this initial cluster will be utilized as a model for constructing additional facilities across the island.

According to Mark Hill, Chief Executive Officer of Export Barbados (BIDC), it is intended that The Bay would help mechanics raise the standard of their operations while tackling the long-standing concerns raised by residents living in areas that have community mechanics.

“Our shared-use model has been identified as a potential solution to those concerns,” CEO Hill said, adding, “Export Barbados has already applied this model in the food manufacturing industry via their International Food Science Center. Now, we have tailored it to support local mechanics. This initiative seeks to achieve a balance between ensuring the well-being of community members and providing businesses with the chance to serve their customers more efficiently.”

The CEO explained that The Bay, which spans 9,479 square feet, is now open for mechanics seeking a workspace on a short or long-term basis. He revealed that the management structure allows mechanics to either sign long-term leases and make monthly payments or, alternatively, rent the space for shorter periods of time, whether it be a few hours or a few days, all at affordable rates.

Hill continued, “The Bay at Grazettes aims to attract mechanics from nearby areas such as Black Rock, Bush Hall, Spooners Hill, and Hothersal Turning. This property was added to our estate management platform in mid-January, and there has already been considerable interest from several potential tenants. This is a positive sign for our business model, and we are excited about the prospect of introducing other facilities in the future.”

Export Barbados (BIDC) is encouraging mechanics interested in securing one of the spaces to visit its INEZ Estate Management platform to apply.

(PR)