The days of struggling to find a legal parking spot in the bustling New Kingston could soon be over.

The Loshusan family on Tuesday announced a major expansion of its John R Wong Supermarket in the mainly commercial district starting with a multi-level parking garage as part of a plan to upgrade the entire complex.

According to CEO Bruce Loshusan, the new parking structure, set to rise on Tobago Avenue, will be built on the property adjacent to the supermarket.

He said the facility will provide up to six stories of parking spots, and is expected to ease the vehicular congestion in the area.

The news of the car park was welcomed by Member of Parliament for St Andrew South Eastern Julian Robinson who commended the effort of trying to ease the parking woes in New Kingston.

“As New Kingston expands, we are seeing more buildings going up but limited parking spaces. It’s absolutely important that persons who want to do business within this facility can park safely, comfortably without someone taking up their car, either legally, or somebody going into your car who is an uninvited guest,” said Robinson.

That sentiment was shared by Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie.

He argued that the decision to construct a multi-level parking garage shows confidence in the Jamaican economy and is an indication of the Loshusan family’s willingness to invest in, and build Brand Jamaica.

“The more development we have, is the need for more parking and when New Kingston was established it was not established to facilitate the many businesses that are now moving to New Kingston. But we have to move with the time and I think this is an investment that will definitely pay dividends.

“I want to commend you and congratulate you because you have chosen to invest in Jamaica and Jamaica will show its appreciation,” said McKenzie.

In the meantime the Loshusan CEO pointed out that the parking facility is the first phase of a planned redevelopment of the John R Wong Supermarket.

He said that plan includes the addition of a drive-through to facilitate an e-commerce pick-up service, food hall, and a complete remodelling of the existing building.

According to Loshusan, the design of the infrastructure prioritises the use of green energy.

“Our vision for the store was simple, to create responsible architecture with a sustainable LEED [Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design]-certified building as close to net zero as possible with green space that pays tribute to the past, but creates a modern footprint for the future,” said Loshusan.

He noted that the design will include the extensive use of solar energy and a harvesting system, which will collect rain water from the roof and store it in underground tanks.

Loshusan told the launch that his mission is to continue an inherited legacy while building the Jamaican economy.

“This expansion will continue that family tradition, contributing to create more jobs, increase purchases from local farmers and manufacturers, impact and compliment the developments in the fast developing New Kingston area, and once again revolutionise supermarket store design and the shopping experience,” declared Loshusan.