UDC has big housing plans for St Ann

St Ann could soon see a significant increase in housing units as the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) moves forward with ambitious plans to construct between 1,500 and 2,000 housing units across three communities in the parish.

The announcement was made by UDC general manager, Bobby Honeyghan, during a recent meeting with Prime Minister Andrew Holness and other key stakeholders, where he outlined a series of transformative projects aimed at reshaping Ocho Rios and surrounding areas.

Honeyghan revealed that the housing programme will focus on developments at Mansfield, Chalky Hill and Malvern Park, forming part of the corporation's broader effort to help address Jamaica's growing housing demand.

“We’re looking at approximately 1,500 to 2,000 housing units across these three locations,” Mr. Honeyghan said, noting that the projects form part of the UDC’s broader national development programme.

The proposed housing developments come amid a wider programme of investment in St Ann that includes continued upgrades to the Ocho Rios Bay Beach and Waterfront Area, Turtle River Park and Shaw Park, as well as a proposed nine-acre development in Ocho Rios. Redevelopment plans are also being advanced for the world-famous Dunn’s River Falls and Park, Belmont Cove, popularly known as Little Dunn’s River, and Laughing Waters.

Prime Minister Holness welcomed the update, emphasising that the Government's housing strategy extends beyond the traditional agencies responsible for home construction.

“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 currently pursuing housing initiatives in several parishes, including Portland, St Catherine, St Ann, Westmoreland and St Elizabeth, as well as in Caymanas and Portmore.

“The country should be aware that in addition to the houses we have tasked the NHT [National Housing Trust), the HAJ [Housing Agency of Jamaica] 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.