KINGSTON, Jamaica- It is estimated, based on the drawings, that the long talked about National Sports Museum will cost in the region of US$8 million (J$1.23 billion) to construct.

This was revealed last Thursday by the Minister of Sport, Olivia Grange.

She was responding to questions from the Member of Parliament for St Catherine East Central, Natalie Neita Garvey, during the sitting of Parliament’s Standing Finance Committee that examined the 2023/24 budget during two-days of deliberations.

In giving a status update on the long-running project that started under the previous People’s National Party Government, Grange said the design concept has been approved by her ministry “and there is actually a design that is available for persons to view”. She said the terms of reference for the structural, mechanical and electrical engineers have been compiled.

“These engineers are pivotal in providing structural, electrical and plumbing drawings for approval. A quantity surveyor is also needed to calculate in detail, the cost of the project from start to finish,” said Grange.

Importantly, the project will also require an interior design team with knowledge and experience in curating interactive gallery spaces so as best to properly display all the artifacts available and generate more if needs be. The minister reminded that her ministry has been collecting artifacts for the museum.

She also disclosed that three proposals have been submitted by international companies with museum design experience and the National Works Agency has reviewed the concept design and has expressed that it is in alignment with the proposed road works to be done on Arthur Wint Drive where the museum will be located.

In the meantime, Grange said her ministry is proposing a wax museum, a project that it will be able to fast-track.

For her part, Neita Garvey said the minister should consider approaching the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) for funding to complete the museum. She argued that the level of advertisement done for Jamaica by its athletes should make the TEF a willing partner in completing the facility.

Neita Garvey argued that countries with far less sporting accomplishments than Jamaica, had established sports museums.