UDC Development Ongoing in Downtown Kingston

Urban Development Corporation (UDC) General Manager, Desmond Malcolm, says the agency is continuing its acquisition and refurbishing of historic and derelict buildings in downtown Kingston, to provide more office space for public and private sector entities.

He says this engagement, which complements renewal efforts being carried out in that section of the city by the Kingston Restoration Company (KRC), will be undertaken either by the UDC, or through contracted developers.

The UDC General Manager made the disclosure during a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank at the latter agency’s head office in Kingston.

Mr. Malcolm said the Corporation is also currently refurbishing several markets in downtown Kingston. These include: the Jubilee Market, Red Rose Fish Market, and phase two refurbishing of the Coronation Market.

This, he explained, is being done “because we recognize that the market district is a very important part of the commercial activities in downtown Kingston.”

The UDC recently remodelled and refurbished the Simon Bolivar Cultural Centre at the North Parade/Church Street intersection in downtown Kingston, for which the agency received the Jamaica Institute of Architects’ Award for Excellence.

The Corporation, in its capacity as project manager, undertook the preparation of architectural drawings; obtained the necessary approvals; and supervised the construction works.

“It is a spectacular building, and will certainly add a lot to the Parade area,” Mr. Malcolm stated.

The UDC is also providing technical support for maintenance of the historic Ward Theatre, which is adjacent to the Simon Bolivar Cultural Centre.

Mr. Malcolm said while the Corporation is not responsible for the theatre, it will provide support to those in charge.

“So the plan is to upgrade (the adjacent) Love Lane… so that the entire corridor will be rehabilitated,” Mr. Malcolm added.