FALMOUTH, Trelawny — A $1-billion construction project, to develop the old Falmouth Wharf in the north western town into an artisan village, expected to last over a year, is set to kick off in another three months.

Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett, who made the announcement in the burgeoning resort town of Falmouth last week, also disclosed that already contracts have gone out to tender for the development of the facility, which will be the first to be constructed locally.

The design for the tourism centrepiece is ready, the tourism minister declared.

“We have pledged $1billion for the development… the artisan village is already designed, and contracts have gone out to tender and we expect to begin by the latest January of 2018,” Bartlett announced at Falmouth Heritage Expo and launch of the updated Heritage Map of Jamaica, in Water Square, Falmouth, last week.

“So we will have a proper place for our vendors and our craftsmen and our small traders to go where the visitors can come in comfort and buy in peace and leave without harassment.”

The village will feature 300 shops where craft and other indigenous products will be sold, as well as an area to facilitate the production of these items by local artisans.

When complete, the artisan village is expected to complement the adjoining Falmouth pier and significantly reposition it as the Caribbean’s premier cruise ship port of call.

Bartlett, last year, had argued that the artisan village and other projects earmarked for Falmouth would significantly transform the town by encouraging “buy-in” among stakeholders that facilitates the town’s continued growth and development.

“The important thing for us is that we want Jamaican goods to be showcased and merchandised at this artisan village, so that the people of Falmouth will have a chance to be a part of the process,” Bartlett said then.

He had also mentioned that the artisan village would be a one-stop shop facility where visitors could see the creation and merchandising of craft items, while enjoying traditional Jamaican entertainment and interacting with craftsmen.

The project is also expected to provide an avenue for unearthing the talents of local artists, and enabling them to express their creativity.

Meanwhile, Bartlett said that he has his sights set on transforming the Georgian building which houses the Trelawny Parish Court into an exquisite eatery.

“When I am finished, the court house of Falmouth… that is my dream development. I want to convert that into a centre of gastronomy where the finest foods of Jamaica, the wonderful spices of Trelawny, the yam of Trelawny, the strawberry of Trelawny, the fruits and vegetables of Trelawny, can have a place on the tables that are properly prepared and set up with foods in gourmet style to satisfy the discriminating palates of the world,” Bartlett declared.

He argued that the building represents “perhaps the most abiding piece of Georgian architecture in the western area”.

“It’s a beautiful piece of work and we are exciting about preserving it, showcasing it, and making it the repository of the finest things of life for visitors and Jamaicans alike,” Bartlett emphasised.

And during his visit to the historic town last week, Bartlett said that to date, the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) has spent approximately $190 million to undertake projects in town, inclusive of the renovation of the building that houses the Falmouth Court House and the renowned Water Square business district.

“We are also working in collaboration with local stakeholders and Government agencies (and) are relocating vendors to more strategic locations, painting buildings, taking the mentally ill and homeless off the streets, establishing visitor centres, and increasing the number of district constables in the town to help keep crime in check,” he added.

Meanwhile, Bartlett said he was pleased to see that Falmouth has been well documented on the updated map of Heritage Sites of Jamaica.

He pointed out that the map, which was produced by the Tourism Product Development Company, “is more comprehensive and interactive, showcasing cultural and natural heritage sites across the island.”

“It caters to visitors and locals looking for adventure (and) those looking for nature, wellness, hiking and camping in the mountains, as well as those interested in our plant and aquatic life.

Additionally, it caters to those who are interested in historical forts, schools and churches,” Bartlett explained.