A rebirth is on the horizon for Grand Bahama Island with the long-awaited announced by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation that an offer has been accepted for the purchase of Grand Lucayan, a beachfront resort located in the bustling city of Freeport.

The deal, which will see a real estate investment firm buy the resort for US$100 million, is a part of an initiative called “The Return of the Grand Life to Grand Bahama,” which seeks to re-establish the destination as the vibrant entertainment hub it once was.

The agreement is projected to be completed by summer 2022, with renovations and construction to follow.

Russel Urban, CEO of Electra America Hospitality Group (EAHG), said the company was very interested in the resort for many reasons, among them is the “opportunity to reinvent, renaissance, rebirth, and revive” the island of Grand Bahama.

“We saw this as a very unique opportunity in a world class location to create energy and to revive a community that has been so ravaged over recent years,” he said.

“The sale of Grand Lucayan is only the beginning of the revival that we are witnessing in Grand Bahama Island,” said Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, I. Chester Cooper, adding, “We are committed to pumping a renewed spirit back into this special island, while bringing thousands of jobs to Bahamians.”

The reconstruction and reopening of the resort are expected to create approximately 2,000 construction jobs and 1,000 permanent jobs.

Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey applauded the choice of EAHG as the right fit for Grand Bahama. “They recognize the role of corporate citizens, and the need for a holistic approach to enhancing communities where they do business, and appreciate the significance of this property to the people and economy of Grand Bahama,” she said. “To some, it’s just a resort… to us, it carries the memories of the glory days and the boom and bust. But it also carries hope for the future; the many opportunities for our people, and finally the realization of a clear vision for this property to catapult Grand Bahama as a preferred destination of The Bahamas.”

With nearly $300 million in renovations planned, the new-and-improved Grand Lucayan will be transformed into an environmentally sustainable luxury hotel with approximately 200 rooms and 24 villas; an upscale convention-style hotel with more than 500 rooms that will cater to meetings, groups, and incentive travellers; as well as a family-friendly resort. To become environmentally sustainable, the property will utilise solar energy, establish a recycling program, and plant a garden to supply farm-to-table dining.

The resort’s golf course will also be revitalized by adding a country club and villas. A casino, world-class bars and restaurants, as well as a variety of pools, spas, and fitness facilities are also in the works, and Bahamian art, culture, and entertainment will be infused throughout.

Construction is set to begin this summer and will be completed by 2025.