Ground Broken for US$125m Richmond Hill Club Development in St. James

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, on Saturday (November 14), broke ground for the US$125-million Richmond Hill Club development in Montego Bay, St. James.

The 17-acre project, being undertaken by J.A.R.R.A.N Development, will transform the former Richmond Hill Inn property, which dates back to 1804, into a luxury mixed-use community comprising 377 residential and resort condominium units, restaurants, wellness amenities, retail outlets, and recreational spaces.

The development will be executed in four phases. The first phase includes 30 four-bedroom townhouses, while the second comprises 24 standalone three-bedroom villas, with completion anticipated by mid-2027.

The third phase will feature twin nine-storey towers containing 203 units, linked by a sky bridge.

The final phase, which is slated for completion in 2029, will comprise 120 hotel-managed resort condominium units above a shared amenities podium. The development will also feature a rooftop restaurant overlooking Montego Bay, infinity pools, a spa and a gym.

Additionally, about six acres will be reserved for green space, and parking will be provided for up to 700 vehicles.

The development is expected to create more than 1,500 jobs and revitalise a landmark property that has stood vacant since a fire in 2019.

In his address, Dr. Holness commended developers, John Surdeen and his wife, for their vision and ambition in undertaking a project of such magnitude.

“This is not a small development by any stretch of the imagination. It is not a project that could be considered run-of-the-mill. It is clear that significant effort and thought was put into developing the product that will be brought to market,” he stated.

The Prime Minister noted that the scale of investment flowing into St. James, including hotel developments, the recently opened airport expansion works, the Accident and Emergency Department at Cornwall Regional Hospital, and the Montego Bay Perimeter Road, demonstrates investors’ confidence in the market, the economy and the safety of the area.

“We are selling lifestyle. We’re saying to people – ‘we have good weather, lovely vistas, lovely culture, great people, a great environment’,” he further indicated.

Meanwhile, Dr. Holness underscored the need to address traffic congestion, road conditions and water supply as part of efforts to make the Montego Bay more accessible and attractive to investors and visitors.

He noted that the Government is investing US$270 million to replace ageing water mains and secure a consistent water supply, while continuing road-improvement works and preparing to open sections of the Montego Bay Perimeter Road.

In addition, Dr. Holness advised that plans are underway to establish two tourism development corridors in St. James, encompassing the Hip Strip and the Elegant Corridor.

“Now that level of investment in this area would not flow unless investors felt there was a market for the product that they are developing and, secondly, that the economy is stable… such that they can recover the value of their investment,” Prime Minister Holness explained.