KINGSTON, Jamaica—Design consultants are currently on the island engaging with key stakeholders to obtain the requisite inputs necessary to inform and finalise the concept design for the redevelopment of the National Stadium.

The disclosure was made by Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, while addressing the official launch of the 2026 ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships at the National Arena in Kingston, on Wednesday.

Grange explained that the redevelopment is taking place in three phases. Phase one, which is now complete, entailed an assessment and feasibility study.

“The feasibility study and assessment were successfully completed in the last quarter of 2025, and the findings establish that the proposed stadium redevelopment is both feasible and strategically important for advancing the country’s sporting and cultural goals,” she stated.

The project is now in phase two, or the concept design phase, which commenced on January 5 and will conclude at the end of April.

“This includes the Stadium East proposed upgraded facilities. Detailed designs will be completed between May and October of this year. The technical designs will be done and completed November through to June in 2027 and we will commence construction July/August 2027,” the minister informed.

As part of the redevelopment, the seating capacity of the National Stadium is expected to increase by approximately 10,000 seats, enabling the facility to accommodate more than 50,000 patrons.

“There will be new stands with varying levels. All stands except the grandstand will be covered by a sweeping roof,” Grange noted.

She explained that the iconic overhanging arch will be preserved in keeping with the National Stadium’s designation as a heritage site.

Among the upgrades to the stadium will also be a new multi-storey car park, which will provide approximately 1,800 additional parking spaces.

While the stadium is under reconstruction, it is proposed that Stadium East be refurbished to accommodate activities that will be impacted.

“It would facilitate some of the smaller events that currently take place in the National Stadium…Facilities would include modern changing rooms, medical areas for athletes and patrons, anti-doping testing area, adequate concession areas, adequate number of restrooms, throwing areas [and a] running track,” Minister Grange detailed.

She added that the LED light fixtures that occupy the National Stadium will be transferred to Stadium East.

Meanwhile, the minister highlighted that the redevelopment is expected to increase revenues by approximately 169 per cent due to expanded commercial capacity and increased event hosting.

“The operating cost, of course, will rise by around 83 per cent but, overall, the Government’s subvention to IPL (Independence Park Limited) will be reduced by about 70 per cent,” Grange pointed out.

She noted that during the construction, the project is expected to generate $70 billion in economic output, contribute $34 billion to Jamaica’s gross domestic product (GDP) and create approximately 14,900 jobs.

-JIS