Business owners in St Thomas who will operate in the Morant Bay Urban Centre are excited about the potential of the massive development in driving economic and social transformation in the parish.

Set on 436,000 square feet of land, the facility will house a plethora of public- and private-sector entities in one space, offering a one-stop shop for residents and businesses.

The more than $6 billion investment by the Government, through the Factories Corporation of Jamaica (FCJ), will provide a major economic boost for the parish and create jobs for thousands.

It is the first of its kind to be built in Jamaica and serves as a model for similar projects as the government extends development beyond the Corporate Area and into the major townships across the island.

Chief Social Innovator at NexxStepp Consulting, Tishauna Mullings, who received the keys to her new offices on the property during the recent ribbon-cutting ceremony, said the occasion is “a reckoning”.

The Social Entrepreneur and St. Thomas native, who spoke to JIS News, expressed gratitude for the development while rejecting the infamous “forgotten parish” moniker.

“St Thomas has never been forgotten – not by its people, ancestors or purpose. We may have been overlooked and we were also underinvested but never forgotten. We kept building, we were dreaming, and we were working, and this is where infrastructure meets intention and we’re grateful,” Ms. Mullings said.

She expressed delight at the fact that she is bringing her business into a space that “is going to bring mentorship, coworking and multimillion-dollar grants”.

Malrie Phidd of Phidd’s Furniture and Appliances, a well-known establishment in St. Thomas for decades, also spoke highly of being among the entrepreneurs in the parish who will set up shop at the Urban Centre. “The establishment of this Urban Centre represents a transformative milestone for both our businesses and the broader community,” Phidd said.

She identified several benefits that she forecasts the development will bring, such as enhancing accessibility and visibility, promoting economic growth opportunities, expanding clientele and potentially increasing market shares.

“This Urban Centre development aligns perfectly with our vision of providing furniture and appliances while contributing to our community. We are committed to serving as an anchor business in this development, fostering economic vitality and enhancing the quality of life for the residents of St. Thomas,” Phidd said.

She conveyed gratitude to developers, stakeholders, partners and community members.

“We look forward to growing together and expanding our communities with this vibrant Urban Centre,” she said. Entities that will operate in the urban centre have been extended a three-month rent-free period to design their units to their specifications.

During this period, the contractor – China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) – will also complete landscaping, road works and remedy any identified defects, said Chairman of the FCJ, Lyttleton Shirley.

Other clients who will occupy space at the Morant Bay Urban Centre include Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), the Passport, Immunisation and Citizenship Agency (PICA), Juici Patties, the National Housing Trust (NHT), Jamaica Information Service (JIS), Department of Correctional Services (DCS), Devon House, Express Fitness, Ribbiz Ultra Lounge, Sterling Bakery and many others.

Phase two of the project will see the building of two additional blocks – a medical complex and additional space to facilitate other government agencies. The Morant Bay Urban Centre project stemmed from a partnership between the FCJ, CHEC and the National Commercial Bank (NCB).