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Barbican FC moving towards restoration after fire at artificial turf football complex
September 03, 2024
Despite facing some $25 million in damages, and the place not being insured, President of Barbican Football Club Chris James said with or without help, they are determined to rebuild the canteen and mini restaurant.
Approximately two weeks ago, two persons, seen on camera footage, entered the Barbican Complex artificial turf area and set fire to the building that housed the canteen and a mini restaurant. The fire also extended to the artifical turf, damaging a section of the playing field which is widely used for training, recreation and competition, being home venue for the Hoo-Hall Legends Over 55 tournament.
"The damage is large and it was not insured. So that damage is about $25 million. It (building) is a total complete burn out. The whole facility burned to the ground, including equipment. So some major investment will have to be made there. But we are planning to deal with it and put it back up," James shared.
He acknowledged that any assistance that is forthcoming would be welcomed, but they will not wait on that.
"Nobody can refuse assistance. But regardless if there is no assistance, life goes on. We have to rebuild," he said.
"You can't let people stop you. We are helping people. If a place like that don't exist, what will happen to the community. There is no sporting or recreational facility in the area, it's the only one in the constituency. And it's one of the better facilities in town (Kingston & St Andrew). You can't afford to stop something like that," he continued.
He pointed out that the pace of the investigation has also been very discouraging.
"I reported it to the police, but I see no priority being given to it," James lamented.
"This is a serious thing. I have been there for years. The club has existed from 1975. That's 49 years, next year it's 50, so how can someone do something like this," he argued.
"Officialdom, the police, has dealt with it like they do not take it serious. But it is a serious offence that was committed. Arson," he emphasised.
The building, which was erected almost a year ago, caters to many patrons, and James noted that it is a bitter loss and a disappointment for the community.
"It is a big loss. It serves a lot of youngsters. I have been there 40 years and it's the first I am seeing something like this. How do you come to a sport facility that serves the community and do such a thing" he questioned.
He added that gradually, they will get the facility back to where it was.
"Where we are now, we are cleaning up. I can't say (the timeline) right now. But it's another major investment, because people put up their money to do this; invest to help the community."
