Durrant Pate/Contributor

Jamaica has secured development funding from the United Kingdom to re-develop two of its biggest sporting facilities, the National Stadium in Kingston and the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium near Falmouth.

The government recently signed a Framework for Cooperation with the UK to identify financing projects in Jamaica to achieve national economic development objectives involving British exports.

Sports Minister Olivia Grange, who made the announcement during her Sectoral Debate presentation in Parliament on Wednesday afternoon (June 26), highlighted that among the priority projects in this framework is the re-development of the 62-year-old National Stadium. 

“Through this framework, a team of architects and project managers from the UK held discussions with my team at the Ministry of Entertainment and Sport and sent us a proposal for the renovation and re-development of facilities at Independence Park, particularly the National Stadium,” Grange advised.

“The document, in essence, proposes to not only address the shortcomings of the existing stadium but also to identify (through qualitative and quantitative assessment) the full potential of this iconic stadium through its enhancement as a major tournament venue, training centre and visitor attraction to promote Jamaica and Jamaican sporting talent,“ she added.

The minister mentioned that the main stadium facility is a special and expensive project requiring a different approach to development, as such her ministry went through the necessary processes established by the Public Investment Management Committee, which approved the re-development concept set to cost US$100 million

‘Sports Museum’ a part of the package

In the House of Representatives, Grange further explained that her ministry considered the proposal, which also has the development of the sports museum in its scope, and accepted it.

She told Members of Parliament that the sports ministry has communicated its decision to the Ministry of Finance, which will finalise the funding agreement and release funds in short order to begin phase one of the development—a stadium assessment and feasibility study.

“We are deliberately establishing a world-class stadium for our world-class athletes and entertainers. And we’re still targeting to break ground in August 2025. We have also asked the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service to provide special funding in the amount of J$75 million for urgent remedial work at the National Stadium to address the lighting infrastructure. This remedial work must be completed by September for the stadium to meet the FIFA requirements for international matches that are scheduled to be played at ‘the office’ in the second and third week of September,” Grange told Parliament.

Turning to the Trelawny stadium, Grange had good news to report saying this government is determined to exploit the full potential of the facility for the benefit of the Jamaican people.

“In this regard, we have been in discussions about a US$550 million development at the facility. The venture is driven by private equity and not public funding. The investors propose to transform Trelawny into a high-performance sports complex that can accommodate 21 sports disciplines, host international games, awards ceremonies and serve as training grounds,” she trumpeted.

In conclusion, Minister Grange stated that this sports tourism development also proposes the construction of high-rise condominiums and a hotel adding, ” The discussions about this exciting development are going well and I look forward to more constructive talks towards a deal.”