COSTA RICA BUSINESS NEWS – Called the “Terminal Central 7-10“, located on the north side of downtown San José, across from the old Cine Libano, the new bus terminal is being described as “first generation” by its promoters, with a capacity of 7.000 passengers daily.
The 12.500 square metre terminal is being developed by two national companies, Portafolio Inmobiliario (Pinmsa) and Grupo Zen, with an investment of US$10 million dollars. (Pinmsa is the developer for projects such as Avenida Escazú, El Cedral and Lincoln Plaza.)
Hans Yankelewitz, spokesperson for Zen, its name is because the terminal at the corner of 7th Street (Calle 7) and 10th Avenue (Avenida 10).
Currently, earth movement has begun on the site, with construction expected to begin in September. The project is expected to be completed by next year, August 2015.
The new terminal will have bus loading areas on the main level, that includes waiting areas, ticket offices and a retail area of some 60 stores. The basement or sub-floor will be for parking and administration areas for bus operators.
The project has been in the works for several years, commencing in 2006 and in 2008 obtaining permits from the Consejo de Transporte Público (CTP) – Public Transport Council, a department of the Ministerio de Obras Publicas y Transportes (MOPT).
Security. Given the location can be classed as part of the “zona roja” (San José’s red zone or dangerous area), the plan for the project includes the relocation of “base cero”, the Policía Municipal de San José operations centre, that is now located in the Los Leones old market, some 150 metres from the future terminal. In addition, the developer will erect two watch towers for private security.
Sources: La Nacion; El Financiero; Skyscraper City;
