Heyliger-Marten outlines next steps for Philipsburg revitalization master plan

GREAT BAY--Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, provided an update to Parliament on the ongoing revitalization efforts for Philipsburg, underscoring the inter-ministerial coordination required to move the project forward.

Heyliger-Marten explained that the Ministry’s vision is to enhance the overall experience and appeal of the capital city. A recent Town Hall meeting organized by the Ministry served as a public engagement forum to hear directly from residents, business owners, and other stakeholders. The feedback received during this session ranged from calls for infrastructural upgrades to suggestions for visual and aesthetic enhancements throughout Philipsburg.

“These contributions were not final decisions or commitments,” Minister Heyliger-Marten clarified, “but important insights to help shape the final version of the Master Plan.” She added that no formal implementation timeline or cost estimates can be determined until that plan is completed and fully assessed.

One frequently mentioned concern during the Town Hall was the condition of the paving in Philipsburg, particularly the proposal to replace the existing bricks with asphalt and to address drainage issues. Heyliger-Marten noted that these specific technical matters fall within the purview of the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI). Recognizing this, the Ministry of TEATT ensured that a VROMI representative was present at the meeting to directly hear public input and provide clarity on the engineering-related aspects.

“The revitalization of Philipsburg is not a single-ministry undertaking,” she said. “While TEATT is leading the engagement and conceptual development phase, successful implementation depends on close cooperation with VROMI for technical planning, budgeting, and civil works.”

In response to parliamentary inquiries about the funding of the proposed infrastructural works, Minister Heyliger-Marten stated that the required drainage and related interventions are not currently included in the 2025 national budget. However, she emphasized that once the Master Plan is finalized and properly evaluated, items requiring VROMI’s involvement are expected to be considered during the 2026 budget cycle and beyond.

The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to a phased and transparent approach, grounded in public feedback and coordinated technical planning. “Philipsburg’s revitalization is a priority,” she said, “but it must be done with careful input from all sectors and executed through inter-ministerial collaboration.”

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