Sports Minister Olivia Grange and principal of UK-based entity Ryder Architecture Jonathan Seebacher say the soon-to-be upgraded National Stadium will rival some of the best sporting facilities in the world.

The first phase of the multi-billion-dollar redevelopment of Independence Park in Kingston has been completed, with construction set for early 2026, with completion expected by 2029. The stadium will, however, still be operational, but with a reduced capacity.

Ryder Architecture and CAA Icon, who will have oversight on the project, have previous experience with stadium projects, including Wembley in London, Arsenal FC’s Emirates Stadium, Chelsea FC’s Stamford Bridge, and Italy’s San Siro.

Proposed designs for the stadium were revealed on Wednesday at the sport ministry’s head office. Two of the main features include expanding the capacity from 29,000 to 37,500 and the installation of additional roofing which will cover 90 per cent of the stadium. Following its completion, it’s believed no major upgrade work will be required until 2060.

The stadium’s upgrade, which will consist of several modern amenities, will also meet the standards of world football governing body, FIFA, as well as World Athletics.

With that in mind, Grange told the Jamaica Observer that they are intent on bringing more international sporting events to the island.

“I’m very excited about where we are, the fact that we’ve completed the first phase,” she said. “We’re impressed with the design and we are on track with the fact that we’ve completed the design in time where we can break ground.

“Construction won’t begin until next year, but we are now quite satisfied that we are able to rebuild a facility that will be world class, that can host major single-[sport] events and that in keeping with our image as a country that has world beaters in track and field, we can boast that we will have a facility that is complimentary to our achievements.”

Seebacher is optimistic that the stadium upgrades won’t face any setbacks as his team develops it into what they consider to be a world-class facility.

“I think the biggest challenge is probably maintaining momentum,” he told the Observer. “I think we’re off to a fantastic start. There’s huge excitement amongst and beyond the team. I think our job, along with colleagues, is to keep that momentum going to make sure we hit all the milestones and we open this stadium in 2029.

“The size will be optimised to the market, and that’s the work that CAA Icon are doing in terms of the business case, viability, and market need. But beyond size, all of the facilities will be absolutely state of the art, and I think it’s fair to say Independence Park will be one of, if not the best stadium in this part of the world.”

In 2024, Grange said the redevelopment work would cost almost $16 billion. She says that figure may change due to several factors as they continue the consultation process.

However, Grange says funding won’t be an issue following an agreement with the UK last year.

“The Minister of Finance was able to sign a corporation agreement with the United Kingdom so that the funding will be provided through the United Kingdom as a loan which the Government will pay back at a minimum concessional rate,” she said.

“The important thing is we put our money where our mouth is — we’re investing in our athletes, in our sportsmen, our infrastructure in Jamaica, and we have every confidence that our investment will be worth it.”

Grange says they will be in dialogue with local sporting associations, such as the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association and the Jamaica Football Federation, to get their feedback and suggestions on the project.

“It’s very important that our stakeholders in the sector are consulted,” she said. “They are part of what we’re doing and should feel like they’re part of the development.

“There’s been individual consultations with the various disciplines — there are over 40 disciplines [but] not all those disciplines will use the facility. But we did have a consultation with the sector and we’ve had individual discussions with the different sporting bodies that will use the facility. It’s important that they make their input so, at the end of it, we would have benefited from the contribution of those who have to use the facility.”

The project will involve removing the bleachers, adding new seating, building modern anti-doping and media facilities, creating a new national sports museum, installing new lighting, and adding premium suites and lounges.

There will also be the creation of more disability access, including the installation of elevators and escalators. There will also be a 300 per cent increase in parking, with a new two-tier approach.

The velodrome will be completely removed, with plans to construct one at another location in the coming years, while a special training facility for field events will be developed as part of the upgrade.

Proposed design for the upgrade of the National Stadium, done by UK based entity Ryder Architecture who has oversight of the project along with CAA Icon.