February 03, 2022
The Factories Corporation of Jamaica (FCJ) has reported that Phase 1 of the Garmex Freezone Redevelopment and Expansion Project is at an advanced stage of completion. Four buildings totaling 90,000 sq ft. are now operational and will be fully operational after sewer pipes have been connected and some minor defects to the buildings have been addressed. Thereafter, the buildings will be handed over to the clients. The expansion will provide space for manufacturing, agro-processing, warehousing and a commercial zone to accommodate fast-food establishments, retail outlets and banking facilities. Also included in Phase 1 is the construction of two buildings totaling 36,000 sq ft. This space is being designed for mini-warehousing and is sectioned into 1,000 and 2,000 sq ft. units. Clients have the option of leasing and combining multiple units to suit their space requirements.
Additionally, infrastructure design is currently underway for Phase 2 Development (3 Buildings are to be constructed at the South Gate Marcus Garvey Entrance). The land Infrastructure design for Phase 3 is also currently underway. In total, the Garmex Redevelopment and Expansion Project will see the construction of 13 new buildings on 8.7 acres of green space, totaling 370,000 sq ft.
The redevelopment of the Boundbrook Industrial Estate in Port Antonio, Portland has now passed the preliminary stages with the detailed drawings for the Boundbrook redevelopment been submitted to the parish council. FCJ is currently in the process of acquiring additional land to meet parking requirements. The Boundbrook Industrial Estate is expected to bring economic growth and job creation to the people of Port Antonio and by extension the people of Portland. 140,000 sq ft of space will be created, of which, government agencies, including the Portland Municipal Corporation, a tax office, a branch of the Registrar General’s Department and private sector entities will inhabit.
Planning meetings with approving agencies such as: National Environment and Planning Agency, Ministry of Health and Wellness, Water Resources Authority, National Works Agency, Portland Municipal Corporation Parish and National Water Commission are ongoing.
The Morant Bay Urban Centre, which is being built to facilitate the provision of services by the Government of Jamaica and the private sector through the creation of 436,000 sq ft of space to being construction in February 2022. FCJ Chairman Lyttleton Shirley, indicated in a press release on Friday January 28 that on January 21, directors of the Morant Bay Urban Centre Company Limited and the FCJ met with the National Commercial Bank (NCB) and after that meeting, funding in the amount of $6 billion was secured. The FCJ has described the facility as a construction loan. The agreement paves the way for China Harbour Engineering Company Limited to begin construction activities at the old Goodyear factory facilities in Springfield, St Thomas. Prime Minister Holness said in parliament that approximately 40% of the space being developed has been earmarked for Government Agencies, with the remaining 60% being offered as leases/rentals to the private sector.
The consultants, who are now engaged in preparing a detailed Bill of Quantities (BQ), are in the final stages of completion. Additionally, approvals have been received from: National Environment and Planning Agency, National Water Commission, Ministry of Health and Wellness, Ministry of Labour, Jamaica Fire Brigade, National Water Commission and the St. Thomas Municipal Corporation for construction to commence in February 2022.
The Naggo Head Tech Park has a new design. This design concept was revised to fulfil the growing industrial needs and the further development of the city of Portmore. The development is divided into two major zones. Zone 1 features six (6) unique buildings with a lush central green park as the anchor. It will house BPOs, residences, a media building and commercial facilities. Zone 2 features two (2) warehouse-type buildings to be sectioned into nine (9) units which will provide space for light manufacturing and agro-processing.
The park will be supplemented with 519 parking spots, 28 bus parking spaces for shuttles and drop-off points and requisite loading bays. In support of this new design, a Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Feasibility Study is being done. The Naggo Head Technology Park is located on 31 acres of land in the Naggo Head Community and will see 750,000 sq ft of new space being developed.
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