Morant Bay’s $6-billion urban centre near completion
Prime Minister Andrew Holness says that based on information he has received, the $6-billion Morant Bay Urban Centre in St Thomas, which will house several government agencies, is more than 50 per cent completed.
“From what I have been told by the management of FCJ (Factories Corporation of Jamaica) and by China Harbour (Engineering Company Limited), our construction partner, the project will be at practical completion by September of this year,” Holness said during a recent tour of the facility.
The location will house the St Thomas Municipal Corporation, St Thomas Parish Court and all the other government agencies located in Morant Bay, the parish capital. Several private-sector entities, including banks, business process outsourcing companies and quick-service businesses, will also take up space at the facility.
“Many households are going to benefit from the economic and social opportunities that will be curated right here in this 28acre development,” continued Holness. “The Government, in making the investment in developing this town, is creating a new economic engine that will power the development of St Thomas.”
Holness further noted that St Thomas residents will also have access to increased education and training opportunities, as HEART/NSTA Trust and the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean will have campuses in the urban centre.
FCJ Chairman Lyttleton Shirley, who was a part of the touring party, said that the centre will serve as a blueprint for future urban developments.
“Already, we see this urban centre concept about to be replicated in Port Antonio, Portland, at the Boundbrook Urban Centre,” said Shirley. He said that the FCJ is looking to expand the centre to facilitate the establishment of a community micro business park and a farmers’ outlet.