About the Project

You can’t fail to be excited by the amazing historical attractions found in Downtown, Belize City. With so much to see and learn; it’s hard to narrow down the long list of symbolic events, sights and attractions that have come to life since the origination of Belize City in the early 1600’s. In an effort to invest in the improvement of the core competencies of Downtown, Belize City (its activity, historic value, cultural heritage and community), and to encourage socio-economic integration, the Government of Belize and the Taiwan International Development Fund (ICDF) have launched “ The Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project (BCHCDRP)”. The project utilizes an Eco-Museum Development Concept and is valued at BZD $15.1million. The project is currently being executed by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation in conjunction with the National Institute of Culture and History and the Belize City Council.

Objectives

Preserve and manage selected heritage locations to address the degeneration of Downtown Belize City

Establish policies to preserve the country’s urban heritage

Promote the awareness and appreciation of our heritage and relics currently existent in Belize City, through Community Story Telling and use of prestigious building and urban landscapes

Encourage community participation and development in the regeneration of the Downtown, Belize City and its public spaces

Project Components

  1. Refurbishment of the House of Culture –
    1. Museum depicting our Story of Resistance (Emancipation and Independence Movement).
    2. Construction of a multipurpose building (Welcome Center, Multimedia Conference Room, Gift Shop, Café, Office and restroom facilities.
    3. Addition of a Botanical Gardens, landscape works, boardwalk, parking lot, etc.
  2. Re-design and enhancement of the Commercial Building, near the Swing Bridge.
  3. Establishment of a Seaside Promenade.
  4. Development of Public Assets (Public Signage, Aesthetics, lighting, furniture, etc.)
  5. Community Engagement and Building through an Oral History Program and training opportunities.

Beneficiaries

Belizeans

Regional and International Visitors

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

Find Out More

As with all urban development projects, success lies in community participation. The Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project will continue to engage the public through consultation workshops.We urge everyone to participate by assisting the Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, the Ministry of Youths, Sports and Culture, the National Institute of Culture and History, and the Belize City Council to develop a new thriving downtown that will promote community involvement and local economic growth.