KINGSTON, Jamaica — Despite approving the House of Parliament Design Competition that was launched by the Government last month, the Jamaica Institute of Architects (JIA) says it is still concerned about the building’s proposed location inside the National Heroes Park in downtown, Kingston.

“We wish to reiterate that many architects and members of the general public remain deeply concerned about the sitting of the Parliament Complex within the National Heroes Park,” said JIA in a release this morning.

Despite the concerns, the JIA said it believes that the institute should engage with the competition organisers in the “best interest” of the Jamaican citizens.

The organisation said it received and reviewed document on the terms and conditions of the competition and it’s Executive Council found the documents to be in conformity with the requirements and standards of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Handbook of Architectural Design Competitions and therefore, have approved the competition.

JIA said it also informed the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) of its decision.

The competition, which runs until September 17 encourages registered architects to submit designs for the parliament building.

The top-five submissions will be selected, each of which will be given an initial $2 million. The winner will receive an additional $5 million. The second place will receive an additional $4 million; while the third place will receive an additional $3 million.

During a ceremony at the park last month, Prime Minister, Andrew Holness said that Jamaica did not have a purpose-built designed Parliament building in the 52 years of its political Independence, noting that the current building was originally a municipal building.