AFTER years of discussions and planning, redevelopment work on the National Stadium is finally set to begin next year with a ground-breaking ceremony scheduled for August for the long-awaited project which aims to revitalise the facility, a cornerstone of Jamaican sports and culture since its construction in 1962.

Minister of Sport Olivia Grange announced that the Government has accepted a joint proposal from UK-based entities Ryder Architecture and CAA Icon to oversee the project. These firms have collaborated on numerous occasions and have been involved in designing stadia around the world, including Emirates Stadium, home of English Premier League side Arsenal; England’s national team stadium Wembley; O2 Arena in London; and Italy’s Stadio Olimpico and San Siro.

Grange pointed out that the redevelopment work will be carried out in five phases, taking approximately three years to complete.

“I am feeling happy that we have reached a stage where we could announce the next steps and determine some timelines,” Grange said. “We are now able to explain the various actions that have to be taken on this path to redeveloping the stadium. This is massive for us, and I am just asking everyone to work together because there will be challenges in hosting events.

“It is not going to happen overnight — because it will be done in five phases and will take approximately three years — but it is going to happen,” she emphasised.

The redevelopment project will increase the stadium’s capacity from 28,500 to 35,000, and will bring several other infrastructure and convenience-related improvements which will enable Jamaica to bid for major global events like the World Athletics Championships.

Minister of Finance and the Public Service Dr Nigel Clarke — who also attended the ceremony held at the offices of the Ministry of Sports in Kingston — expressed his delight that work on the facility will finally commence next year.

Redevelopment work on the National Stadium is set to begin in August 2025, after the Jamaican Government accepted a joint bid from two UK-based firms to oversee the project. Sharing the update during a meeting at the ministry’s offices in Kingston were (from left) Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator Kamina Johnson Smith; Finance Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke; Minister of Sports Olivia Grange; Baroness Jennifer Chapman, UK minister of Latin America and the Caribbean; and Judith Slater, British high commissioner to Jamaica. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

“It’s welcome,” Dr Clarke said. “Jamaica has worked hard to achieve economic stability, and right now Jamaica needs technical capacity and cooperation more than we need financing.”

He highlighted that this agreement includes technical contributions from one of the world’s foremost stadium designers, courtesy of the UK Government.

Dr Clarke stressed the importance of his ministry’s close collaboration with the Ministry of Sports to ensure the redevelopment process goes smoothly.

“My involvement is working with the ministries to support the development of the feasibility, and business case, and the detailed design. We will be getting assistance from the UK — and this UK firm in particular. At the end of this we will have a modern stadium, something that is 24/7-ready,” Dr Clarke stated.

Baroness Chapman, UK minister of Latin America and the Caribbean, noted that the UK Government is excited to partner with Jamaica for the stadium’s redevelopment.

“Today’s event is just the first of several occasions we will witness in the coming months and years as these projects come to fruition,” she said. “I am pleased that we are able to progress this iconic stadium.”

Chapman emphasised that the assessment and feasibility deal is just the first step in Jamaica’s ambitious plans to upgrade its iconic stadium, where many track and field heroes began their journeys to Olympic and World Championships glory.

“I am delighted that we have managed to get this deal over the finish line before Mr Nigel Clarke’s departure for his next role at the IMF,” she added.

Garth Gayle, president of the Jamaica Athletics Administration Association, welcomed the news of the redevelopment.

“I am more than happy; I am elated because Minister Grange has delivered,” Gayle said. “She has the clear support of the Cabinet and the British Government, and when the British Government enters into an activity, it will be well done. I am looking forward to the improved stadium, and I am sure this will assist us in bidding for world events like the World Under-20 and more.”