Construction of Portmore Resilience Park to Begin August

Work is scheduled to begin in August on the development of a resilience park in Portmore that will serve as a hub for recreation, sports, wellness, and entertainment.

The development comes as the Government moves to establish Portmore as the country’s 15th parish.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, said the project will be undertaken on a 26-acre property, of which 18 acres will be used for the park.

Approximately five acres will be reserved for the Ministry of Transport and Mining, and 2.75 acres for a commercial space.

The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) will be undertaking the project, which represents investment of $3 billion.

“Construction is expected to begin in August 2023 and is estimated to last two years. The park will be named ‘Resilience Park’ for its focus on using climate smart designs and technology to ensure sustainability,” Mr. Holness said.

He was making his contribution to the 2023/24 budget debate in the House of Representatives on March 16.

The Prime Minister also provided details about the Kingston Harbour Park project announced in 2021, for the development of 21 kilometres of the Kingston Waterfront, from Ocean Boulevard to Port Royal in East Kingston.

He said the project area will be sectioned to allow for implementation on a phased basis.

Segment one will include Downtown to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Building with an investment value of $4.5 billion.

“This is the immediate focus area to anchor the wider development of Downtown Kingston,” Mr. Holness said.

Segment two will include Rae Town to Harbour View with an investment value of $13 billion and Segment three includes Harbour View to Port Royal.

“Funding negotiations have been initiated with the World Bank and the Caribbean Development Bank. Consultancy services for feasibility studies and designs are now being procured,” Mr. Holness said.