Haymans History
Where Barbados' Past Meets Its Future
Few places in Barbados tell a story quite like Haymans.
What stands today as a vibrant destination for shopping, dining, entertainment, and community was once the beating heart of a thriving sugar factory. For centuries, Haymans played an important role in Barbados' sugar industry, helping shape the island's economy, culture, and landscape.
The story began in 1649 when Henry Haymans acquired several smaller plantations and established what became known as Haymans Plantation. Surrounded by fields of sugar cane, the estate grew into a major processing centre where harvested cane was transformed into the sugar that helped build Barbados' reputation around the world. Over the centuries, the factory evolved from a simple wind-powered operation into a modern industrial facility, reflecting the changing technology.
As the sugar industry declined across Barbados, Haymans Factory eventually closed its doors in 1988. The once-bustling factory fell silent, and for decades the buildings stood largely abandoned. Machinery was removed, structures weathered with time, and what had once been a centre of production became a reminder of a bygone era.
Everything changed in 2020 when the property was acquired by Sun Group Investments Inc. Led by Chairman Bernard Weatherhead and the Sun Group team, a bold vision emerged: preserve the history, celebrate the heritage, and create something entirely new for Barbados. Rather than demolishing the factory, the decision was made to honour its legacy by breathing new life into the historic buildings and transforming them into a destination unlike any other on the island.
Today, Haymans Market stands as one of Barbados' most exciting regeneration projects — a place where history, culture, commerce, and community come together under one roof. The original character of the factory remains visible throughout the property, with historic architectural features, industrial elements, and heritage displays serving as reminders of the site's remarkable past. Visitors can even explore the story of sugar production and the role Haymans played in Barbados' development through a self-guided historical audio tour.
Haymans Today
What was once a sugar factory is now a thriving destination filled with energy, creativity, and opportunity.
Home to more than 85 unique Merchants, Traders, restaurants, cafés, bars, offices, and attractions, Haymans offers something for everyone. Whether you're stopping by for your morning coffee, shopping with local artisans, enjoying lunch with friends, discovering handcrafted products, attending a live event, or simply taking in the atmosphere, every visit offers a new experience.
Haymans has become a gathering place for locals and visitors alike — a destination where entrepreneurs can grow their businesses, artists can showcase their talents, families can spend quality time together, and the community can come together to celebrate culture, food, music, sport, and entertainment. From market days and special events to live performances and social gatherings, there is always something happening at Haymans.
More than a market, Haymans is a living example of what can happen when heritage is preserved and reimagined for future generations. It is a place that honours Barbados' rich history while embracing innovation, creativity, and community.
The factory may no longer produce sugar, but it continues to create something just as valuable — experiences, connections, and memories that bring people together.
Welcome to Haymans Market. A place built on history, reimagined for today, and designed for the future.