KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller says the sale of the old Forum Hotel in Portmore by the Urban Development Corporation (UDC), will bring an exciting new dimension to the Municipality.

The property has been sold to a Jamaican private sector group, Portmore Marina Development Limited, for J$350 million, which is transforming the site into a one-of-a-kind modern residential and commercial waterfront development.

“When completed, the project will boast panoramic harbour and city view for

75 two and three-bedroom single family bay-front villas, and 120 bay-front apartments,” Simpson Miller said.

The Prime Minister was making her contribution to the 2015/16 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives, Tuesday, under the theme – ‘Moving Forward: Jobs, Growth and Development’.

She pointed out that the development will showcase a bay-front club and marina, which will offer a full suite of dining, recreational and entertainment facilities and amenities to Portmore and other communities.

“During the construction phase, approximately 350 jobs will be created.

Within 18 months, the overall project will result in investments of approximately

J$2.2 billion,” Simpson Miller said.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister noted that the fisherfolk and other people involved in associated commercial activities who were utilising the Forum Beach have been relocated to a new fishing village complex created by the UDC at Sector M East on Port Henderson Road.

Simpson Miller further noted that several shops are now in operation and the new fishing beach is being utilised.

“A formal management group representing fisherfolk, vendors and other commercial interests has been established and (members) have already received training.

They have applied for permission to form a fishermen’s cooperative. This new fishing complex is open for business. This is development at work,” she added.