Mowatt’s Construction, Concrete and Equipment Rental Limited, a family-owned business with a strong presence in the ready-mixed concrete sector, is advancing plans to expand its footprint in housing development.

The company has filed an application for the construction of 51 or more houses at Lambridge, part of Farm Pen, Westmoreland, an effort partially approved by the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA).

This latest application builds on a prior approval granted in 2022, which allowed Mowatt’s to subdivide approximately 33,906.200 square metres of land at the same location. That subdivision included 55 residential lots, open spaces, sewage infrastructure, and sections designated for road improvements and reserved roads.

The progression from subdivision approval to housing construction signals Mowatt’s intention to bring its Lambridge project to life. However, efforts by the Jamaica Observer to secure a comment from the company regarding the new project were unsuccessful up to press time.

Mowatt’s venture into housing development comes amid a national demand for residential units, particularly in rural and suburban areas like Westmoreland.

Having established itself as a serious player in Jamaica’s construction sector through its ready-mixed concrete and equipment rental services, Mowatt’s appears to be strengthening its involvement in real estate development. If approved, the Lambridge housing project would transform the subdivided land into a residential community, enhancing the region’s housing stock and addressing infrastructure needs outlined in the earlier subdivision plan.

The environmental permit process will evaluate potential environmental and community impacts before the project progresses further. Mowatt’s foray into housing mirrors a broader trend among construction companies leveraging their expertise to meet the growing demand for residential real estate.

— Karena Bennett