MoBay’s Old Shoes Market poised for an upgrade

WESTERN BUREAU:

Montego Bay Mayor Homer Davis says approximately $100 million has been earmarked to transform the Old Shoes Market on St James Street in Montego Bay into a modern arcade for small business owners.

Davis, who is also chairman of the St James Municipal Corporation (StJMC), says the project will commence early next year. Currently, the facility operates as an arcade minus basic facilities by day and an unofficial brothel by night.

"In the first quarter of 2019, we will be breaking ground at the Old Shoes Market for the construction of a major modern arcade for our small business operators in this city," Davis told a town-hall meeting in Montego Bay on Sunday night.

"Funding for this project will come from the proceeds of properties owned by the St James Municipal Corporation, which are up for sale. We expect to garner over $100 million."

Davis also gave assurance that some of the building fees collected from major hotel developments have been committed to the funding of the new arcade. He said on completion, the new facility will give downtown Montego Bay a modern look.

Over the years, the facility has attracted several unsavoury names, including "a den of crime" by Superintendent Steve McGregor during his tenure as commanding officer of the St James Police Division.

Davis also announced that the 50-year-old Charles Gordon Market, which has been attracting a lot of criticisms in recent years, is to be upgraded and given a more modern look. The funding is to come from the sales of the $500-million Bogue lands, which are among the major assets owned by the StJMC.