National Stadium redevelopment moves forward

The Government has accepted a proposal from United Kingdom (UK) firms Ryder Architecture and CAA ICON for the redevelopment of the National Stadium in Kingston.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, made the disclosure at a press conference at her New Kingston offices on Tuesday, October 15 to provide an update on the project.

The entities have been involved in other stadium projects around the world such as Wembley, Arsenal’s Emirates, The O2 and Stamford Bridge in London,and Stadia Roma and the San Siro in Italy.

Minister Grange noted that the proposal from the firms not only addresses the shortcomings of the existing stadium but identifies the full potential of the venue through qualitative and quantitative assessments.

The redevelopment project, which is slated to begin in August 2025, is expected to be undertaken over three years.

It will entail dispensing with the existing bleachers, providing new seating options, establishing modern facilities for anti-doping, new facilities for media, establishment of a modern and iconic national sports museum, installing new modern lighting and meeting and conference facilities, premium suites and lounges, new concession facilities, among other upgrades.

Earlier this year, the Government of Jamaica and the UK signed a Framework for Cooperation to undertake the National Stadium Redevelopment project.

“The next step is to proceed to phase one ..., which is a stadium assessment and feasibility study,” Minister Grange said.

The study, she noted, includes a thorough economic and feasibility analysis to identify local and international market demand to ensure that use and design proposals are aligned to economic demand.

The results will inform phase two, which is the project initiation, concept design and approval, and phase three will involve the detailed design and appointment of a contractor.

Phase four will involve construction and phase five is the operational readiness and handover.

Minister Grange said that the Government is determined and deliberate about developing the national stadium into a world-class facility that meets the regulatory requirements of international sports federations.

“During the last few years, we have been able to resurface the running tracks, upgrade the Aquatic Centre, upgrade the Basketball and Leila Robinson netball courts, among other improvements,” she pointed out.

UK Minister for Latin America and the Caribbean, Baroness Jennifer Chapman, in her remarks, noted that the stadium upgrade “will mean that not only can Jamaicans enjoy improved facilities but will be able to bid to host events like the World Athletics Championship, and if any country anywhere has earned the right to host that championship, it has got to be Jamaica”.

She said that the UK has committed to assist in bringing several development projects in Jamaica to fruition, noting that the Framework for Cooperation between the countries also referenced a bridge upgrade programme, some national security procurements and the upgrade of Reynolds Pier.

“This is just the first of several such happy occasions which we will witness in the coming months and years,” she said.

Also addressing the function were Finance and the Public Service Minister, Dr Nigel Clarke, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith.

JIS