ST ANN, Jamaica —  The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) is moving ahead with a series of development initiatives across St Ann, including major investments in housing, recreation, tourism, infrastructure and public spaces, as part of its broader mandate to drive sustainable national development.

The plans were outlined during a meeting held on Wednesday, June 10,  at the UDC’s Ocean Boulevard headquarters in downtown Kingston with Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development, members of the UDC Management team including Chairman Norman Brown, General Manager Bobby Honeyghan and other key stakeholders.

Speaking during the meeting, Honeyghan highlighted several major projects that are expected to shape the future of Ocho Rios and the surrounding communities.

These include continued enhancements to the Ocho Rios Bay Beach and Waterfront Area, Turtle River Park, Shaw Park, a proposed nine-acre development in Ocho Rios, as well as redevelopment plans for the world-famous Dunn’s River Falls and Park, Belmont Cove, popularly known as Little Dunn’s River, and Laughing Waters.

The general manager also outlined the corporation’s ambitious housing programme for St Ann, which includes developments at Mansfield, Chalky Hill and Malvern Park.

“We’re looking at approximately 1,500 to 2,000 housing units across these three locations,” Honeyghan said, noting that the projects form part of the UDC’s wider contribution to addressing Jamaica’s housing needs.

Holness welcomed the update and underscored the importance of the UDC’s role in supporting the Government’s housing agenda.

“It is very important that the public understands that the Government’s housing policy is not just executed through the National Housing Trust and the Housing Agency of Jamaica. We are going to get significant support from the Urban Development Corporation through several projects right across Jamaica,” the prime minister said.

Holness noted that the UDC is actively advancing housing initiatives in a number of locations, including Portland, St Catherine, Caymanas, Portmore, St Ann, Westmoreland and St Elizabeth.

“The country should be aware that in addition to the houses we have tasked the NHT, the HAJ and the New Social Housing Programme to build, we are expecting a significant boost from the Urban Development Corporation.

The UDC is planning approximately 12,000 housing solutions across its portfolio of developments,” he said.

Meanwhile, Brown said the corporation remains committed to ensuring that development delivers tangible benefits for Jamaicans while supporting the country’s long-term growth objectives.

“At the UDC, we are focused on creating opportunities through strategic investments that expand access to housing, enhance public spaces, strengthen our tourism product and stimulate economic activity. The initiatives planned for St Ann reflect our commitment to building communities where people can live, work and thrive while ensuring that development remains inclusive and sustainable,” Brown said.

The discussions formed part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to accelerate economic growth, increase housing supply, enhance public spaces and unlock development opportunities across Jamaica.

As the UDC continues to advance projects across the island, the corporation remains focused on delivering developments that stimulate investment, create employment, improve communities and enhance the quality of life for Jamaicans.

The planned initiatives in St Ann represent another step in the corporation’s commitment to building vibrant, resilient and sustainable communities while supporting national development priorities.