Multimillion-Dollar Potters Transformation to Deliver Major Sporting and Community Hub

A multimillion-dollar transformation of the Potters sporting grounds is set to expand Antigua and Barbuda’s capacity to develop athletes and host swimming competitions, while creating new opportunities for education, employment and community business.

The Government has formally renamed the facility the Harrison Potters Sports Centre: A Centre of Sporting Excellence, honouring Sir David Harrison, Lady Sylvia Harrison and their family for their contribution to national development and investment in the project.

The completed centre is expected to open during the first quarter of 2027.

A major feature will be the Lady Sylvia Harrison Aquatic Centre, accommodated on an additional 1.66 acres provided by the Government. Plans include a 50-metre Olympic-sized swimming pool, instructional and warm-down pools, and seating for 750 spectators.

The aquatic facilities are expected to strengthen the country’s ability to stage national and regional swimming competitions while providing space for instruction and athlete development.

The Hadeed family has also committed to constructing the Sir Aziz Hadeed Pavilion on the cricket field, adding another significant contribution to the development.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne described the project as part of the national renewal being celebrated during Antigua and Barbuda’s 45th anniversary of Independence.

He said the Harrison family’s investment would help create opportunities for athletes, students and entrepreneurs, while strengthening community pride. Browne thanked Sir David, Lady Sylvia and their family for supporting a development intended to benefit generations.

Beyond competitive sport, the centre is expected to serve students from the Harrison Centre Antigua and Barbuda Institute of Continuing Studies, Sir Novelle Richards Academy and Potters Primary School.

It will also provide a home for Little League baseball, accommodate community activities and support closer ties between Spanish-speaking and English-speaking residents. Employment and opportunities for small businesses in Potters are also among the anticipated benefits.

High Commissioner Karen-Mae Hill, whose advocacy helped advance the partnership, said the development reflected a shared commitment to giving young people the facilities and opportunities they need to succeed.

She credited cooperation between the Government and the Harrison family with turning that vision into a lasting national asset.

Sir David Harrison reaffirmed his family’s commitment to the centre, saying the project placed young people, sporting opportunity and community life at its heart.

He expressed hope that the facility would become a place where talent is discovered, confidence grows and people from different backgrounds come together, serving Potters, Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Caribbean for years to come.