News

The development of a state-of-the-art new convention center on Amador Causeway took a new twist last week, when officials announced that the center’s plan has been redesigned. The new design will focus on conventions, “not social events,” Panama Tourism Authority manager Gustavo Him told reporters.

The Amador Convention Center is expected to be the biggest meeting space in Panama and attract a new level of international meetings and conferences. It is part of a $300 million government initiative to make Amador the next hot spot for investment and recreation in Panama City.

The original plans called for a 570,000 square-foot facility including a banquet hall, outdoor amphitheater and a performing arts center. But the project has been hit by a series of delays, including a work stoppage of a year due to problems with the contractor.

In January, the government announced that work was set to resume on the Convention Center, after a new contract was awarded to a consortium led by the Chinese company, Construcción América (CCA). CCA will provide the funds and Panamanian company Construcción Civiles Generales S.A. (Cocige) will be the representative of the project for the government, according to press reports.

Now comes news of the redesign, which also suggests work is again ready to move forward. Eliminating the social event aspect of the center will lead to more revenue, Him said. The new design includes more parking, more space and will cost $193.7 million, according to coverage in La Prensa. He also said the authority is planning a new convention center in Boquete.

While it’s certainly frustrating that the changes will lead to more delays, the good news is that the Amador Convention Center is progressing again and the government clearly has a plan to make it happen. The new plan calls for the center to be completed in June 2018.

Amador offers some unique property investment opportunities. Punta Pacifica Realty is working on Naos Harbour Island Residences & Marina, a spectacularly located project that sits directly on the entrance to the Panama Canal, offering incredible views of the Canal as well as the islands of Saboga and Taboga.  The project currently consists of 3 residential towers, an enormous oceanfront social area and when completed, will include 122 homes, 16 oceanfront commercial spaces  and a 270-slip marina.

Contact us now to learn more about Amador opportunities.