Fencing of Montego Bay Civic Centre to Cost $17 Million
By: , July 7, 2013
The Full Story
The Montego Bay Civic Centre in the historic Sam Sharpe Square, is being fenced at a cost of $17 million, with the work expected to last for the next eight weeks.
Galvanized metal is being used to fence the courtyard and the car park, and this forms part of an overall long term plan to improve the aesthetics and to maintain the facility. The project is being funded by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF).
The centre is operated by the St. James Parish Council, and was built on the site of the original Montego Bay courthouse, which was destroyed by fire in 1968. The facility was opened in 2001, following a restoration project carried out by the Urban Development Corporation (UDC), which kept its original Georgian style architecture intact.
According to Mayor of Montego Bay, Glendon Harris, there is a long term proposal to properly utilize the area reserved for a bistro, and to establish a museum, that will help to provide a relaxing atmosphere.
The Mayor said that the work being carried out will allow for better control in and around the facility.
Executive Director of the TEF, Clyde Harrison, said his organization has plans for more work to be done at the centre.
“The vision is to establish a museum, in association with the Institute of Jamaica; an arts centre; a bistro and a logo shop,” he explained.
By Bryan Miller, JIS Regional Office (Montego Bay)