Curaçao Revitalizes Willemstad’s City Center

Since October 2021, the Ministries of Economic Development (MEO) and Traffic, Transport, and Spatial Planning (VVRP) have held regular meetings to enhance collaboration on the development of Willemstad’s city center. With the inclusion of an Area Vision for the City Center in the Curaçao Country Package (Landspakket), it became increasingly important for the ministries to join forces, creating a shared strategy that addresses economic, social, and spatial aspects, and ensuring effective implementation.

The joint approach focuses on quality, innovation, economic diversification, sustainability, risk preparedness, cultural and heritage preservation, and social inclusion. By working together, the city center can transform into a vibrant hub for business, culture, and tourism, while fostering opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

To achieve these goals, the government established the Werkgroep Ontwikkeling Binnenstad (City Center Development Working Group). The group brings together the MEO and VVRP ministries, the Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB), the Downtown Management Organization (DMO), and Sosiedat di Komersiantenan Otrobanda (SKO). Representatives from the city districts of Scharloo, Pietermaai, and residential areas of Otrobanda are invited to participate, providing insights on local strengths, challenges, and action points.

Practical enhancements are already underway in the four districts, including cleaning initiatives, updated signage, and improved communication. These visible improvements help enhance the livability, image, and visitor experience of the city center, while laying the groundwork for longer-term structural changes.

The formulation of the city center vision is ongoing and will soon be completed. Following this, stakeholder consultations will be held to validate the vision and build strong community support.

To keep residents and businesses informed, the communications teams of both ministries provide regular updates through the recently launched InnerCity Willemstad newsletter, ensuring transparency and engagement throughout the process.