China helps Barbados rebuild National Stadium

The Barbados National Stadium in Waterford, St. Michael, is being rebuilt on the exact site where the now demolished facility once stood, with the redevelopment being funded through a grant from the Government of the People’s Republic of China.

This was revealed by representative of the Beijing Construction Engineering Group, Wang Lianglin, during a Media Symposium and Reception hosted by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Barbados on Friday, July 24, 2026, at the residence of the Chinese Ambassador.

The official said the new sporting complex will have a 10,000-seat spectator stand, providing Barbados with a modern venue capable of hosting national sporting competitions, community events and other large gatherings. He explained that the previous stadium, which served the country for approximately 50 years, was demolished to make way for the new facility.

“The completion of the new stadium will not only be a landmark people’s livelihood project symbolizing friendly cooperation between the two countries, but also provide a modern, high-standard public sports space for hosting national-level events, mass sports activities, and large gatherings. This will boost the country’s sports development and enrich the cultural and sports lives of

the citizens,” Wang stated, while noting that since construction began, the project has progressed steadily through close collaboration between the governments of China and Barbados, as well as Barbadian and Chinese construction teams.

Wang said work on the main concrete structure of the spectator stand is expected to be completed by early September this year. Preparations for the stadium’s steel structure, including detailed design, fabrication and on-site installation, are also underway, with that phase of construction expected to be completed by December, 2026.

According to the project schedule, the new National Stadium is expected to be officially handed over during the third quarter of 2027.

Wang assured that the project has maintained high standards throughout both the design and construction phases. The stadium has been designed with Barbados’ climate, cultural landscape and practical needs in mind, while ensuring the facility meets modern engineering standards and blends into the surrounding environment. He said the project team has also implemented strict quality assurance measures, with materials, construction processes, and safety procedures being carefully inspected throughout the project. Despite challenges- including with overseas shipment of construction materials, rainy weather and complex engineering works,

Wang said careful planning has enabled the project to remain on schedule while maintaining quality.

He also highlighted the project’s contribution to the economy of Barbados, noting that local contractors and workers have been employed wherever possible. He said this approach has not only created employment opportunities but also encouraged the exchange of technical knowledge and construction experience between Chinese and Barbadian workers.

”While constructing the project, we actively promoted localization, employing local contractors and workers as much as possible to create jobs, facilitating technology exchange and experience sharing, and achieving mutual benefit and common development.”

Before demolition of the original stadium began, the Chinese project team is said to have worked closely with Barbadian contractors to revise the demolition plan, reducing the process from an estimated three months to just one and a half months and allowing construction of the new facility to begin sooner. Beyond the physical construction, Wang said the project is intended to strengthen the relationship between the people of Barbados and China. In addition to observing local laws and customs, members of the Chinese team have participated in community activities, including cleaning the area surrounding the stadium and providing technical assistance to nearby residents when requested.

Looking ahead, the project team representative said they will continue to place emphasis on safety, quality and timely completion as work progresses.

“We look forward to this stadium, built jointly by builders from both countries, serving as an important witness to the 50th anniversary of Sino-Babadian diplomatic relations. It will not only be a symbol of Sino-Babadian friendship but also a new landmark of Barbados, a ‘Friendship Project’ and ‘People’s Project’ that testifies to the friendship between the two countries, and continue to write a new chapter in their friendly cooperation.”