$15 Million Already Spent on Ward Theatre Renovation

Work continues on the renovation of the Ward Theatre in downtown Kingston, where $15 million has been spent to date.

Of the total, $3.7 million was provided by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport and $11 million by the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC).

Works conducted on the historic building, so far, include supply and installation of waterproof membrane on the roof, fitting of countertops and basins in one restroom and four changing rooms, installation of drywall ceiling and sanitary fixtures, termite treatment, and repair of side walls.

Town Clerk, Robert Hill, told JIS News that the work is progressing steadily and will continue over the course of the summer into September.

“We have completed the procurement procedures for seating, audiovisuals and carpeting, which have been supported by the Office of the Contractor General and, of course, the government procurement guidelines,” he noted.

Mr. Hill informed that the KSAMC has been partnering with the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) “every step of the way” to effect the repairs to the 106-year-old building.

“We have regular meetings with them (so that) they can raise concerns or (if) there are issues we want to bring up in how we want to move forward with certain things inside the theatre,” he said.

Mr. Hill assured that when all works are completed, the Ward Theatre “will be brought back to its former glory for full use”.

Meanwhile, the Town Clerk noted that a project to install a sprinkler system at the Red Rose Fish Market and Jubilee Market will have to be revisited with the Urban Development Corporation (UDC).

“We have to look at that installation process because it is detailed plumbing engineering that is required,” he said.

“Our acting city engineer will be getting on that this week. We will have to talk to the National Water Commission (NWC) and the Jamaica Fire Brigade because it is a pressurised hose system that we need to put in, and we have to get those grades properly,” he added.