Plans to construct a new government complex in Antigua have stalled due to delays in relocating business operators currently occupying the proposed site, according to Chief of Staff Ambassador Lionel Hurst.

Speaking at the weekly Post-Cabinet Media Briefing, Hurst confirmed that construction of the complex—intended for the southwest corner of Factory Road and American Road—has been held up by a tenant who has not yet vacated the property, despite having been notified years ago.

“This discussion about relocating the operator began almost ten years ago,” Hurst said. “We’ve identified land for their relocation, and while they’ve written asking for more time, it’s clear they can’t remain there permanently.”

The complex is part of the government’s plan to reduce long-term rental costs by housing multiple ministries and agencies in a state-owned facility.

While no specific timeline was given for when the government expects the site to be cleared, officials acknowledged that continued delays are costing taxpayers. The government currently leases office space from multiple private landlords, including facilities occupied by key departments and the state-owned broadcaster ABS Television.

In one notable case, the government is reportedly in arrears of approximately EC$8 million to a single landlord for rented properties—a figure that has prompted debate about wasteful public spending.

“If we continue to rent instead of building, that’s money we’ll never get back,” one civil servant said. “Owning our infrastructure is the only sustainable path forward.”

Despite the setbacks, Hurst said the administration remains committed to expanding its public building footprint, with the goal of constructing at least one new complex per year.

He added that the government owns enough land to accommodate future construction and that building its own facilities would offer long-term financial savings while giving the state more control over the work environment.

As pressure grows to reduce dependence on private rentals, officials are likely to face further scrutiny over the pace of relocation and whether additional incentives or enforcement mechanisms are needed to move tenants out and get construction underway.