Dump-up Beach to be transformed

THE URBAN Development Corporation’s (UDC’s) construction of a state-of-the-art beach park at the Closed Harbour Beach in St James will begin in January 2019.

The 16-acre property, also known as ‘Dump-up’ Beach, will be transformed into a world-class multizoned public space within two years at a projected cost of $700 million.

Tourism minister Edmund Bartlett has endorsed the development. Project Manager at the UDC Kerrymoure O’Connor made the announcement during the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Invest MoBay Breakfast Forum at the Sea Gardens Beach Resort last Friday.

O’Connor said that the National Contracts Commission (NCC) approved the project contract last week, adding that it would now be submitted to Cabinet for its approval.

“The contractor has about 28 days to submit all his bonds and insurances. So we expect that construction should begin by the first week of January 2019,” he disclosed, pointing out that the project timeline is 18 months.

The park will feature a jogging trail, soft and hard landscaping, an outdoor amphitheatre, multipurpose courts, a children’s play area, food kiosks, and a boardwalk, among other amenities.

O’Connor emphasised that access to the facility would be free, and revenue for upkeep would be generated through paid parking and private investment.