The Government has again placed the Downtown Kingston Redevelopment Project (DKRP) on the front burner, declaring that the groundwork had commenced with the completion of the project document outlining its rationale, framework and roadmap.
Daryl Vaz, minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, said the five-year pilot project has the potential to be a game-changer in the economic life of downtown Kingston and Jamaica.
rescope and expansion
He argued that the re-scoped and expanded DKRP could represent as much as three per cent of the gross domestic product in new economic activities.
In his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in Gordon House on Tuesday, Vaz said the project, which is almost fully funded by the private sector, would impact the Coronation Market and Lifestyle Centre.
“The uniqueness of the DKRP is that rather than solely focusing on addressing the ailments or deficits such as informal settlements, disorderly street vending, the inability to collect state taxes, and a general breakdown in law and order, the intent is to mobilise underutilise and distressed assets in downtown communities and commercial districts,” Vaz told his parliamentarycolleagues.
Proposed developments under the DKRP include, among others:
– Musson’s West Kingston Business Park
– Coronation Market
– Kingston Lifestyles Plaza
– Railway Station Museum projects
– Micro-brewery, Restaurant and Beer Garden
– B&D Trawling Seafood Market, Processing Center and a Major Water-Front Entertainment Park
– The Culture Hub Social Enterprise in Trench Tow;
– Pan-Jam Boutique Hotel and Business Centre
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