Kingston, 26 June 2024 (JIS) - Ground is to be broken by August 2025 to commence work on the National Stadium’s redevelopment into a world-class sports facility.

This was disclosed by Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, during her contribution to the 2024/25 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (June 25).

She said the project will be facilitated under the recently signed Framework for Cooperation between the Governments of Jamaica and the United Kingdom.

The Framework establishes the basis for both sides to collaborate and cooperate for the purpose of financing projects locally, involving exports from the UK towards achieving Jamaica’s economic development objectives.

The Government of Jamaica signed through the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, while their UK counterpart’s interest was represented by UK Export Finance.

“Among the priority projects listed to be addressed in this Framework is the re-development of the national stadium. Through this Framework, a team of architects and project managers from the UK held discussions with my team at the Ministry and sent us a proposal for the renovation and re-development of facilities at Independence Park, particularly the National Stadium,” she stated.

“The document, in essence, proposes to not only address the shortcomings of the existing stadium but also to identify, through qualitative and quantitative assessment, the full potential of this iconic stadium through its enhancement as a major tournament venue, training centre and visitor attraction to promote Jamaica and Jamaican sporting talent,” the Minister added.

Minister Grange said the proposal, which also includes development of the sports museum, was accepted.

She advised that her office has communicated its decision to the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, which will finalise the financing agreement and release funds in short order to begin phase one of the National Stadium re-development, which entails an assessment and feasibility study.

“We are deliberately establishing a world-class stadium for our world-class athletes and entertainers, and we’re targeting to break ground no later than August 2025,” the Minister said.

Minister Grange also informed that the Finance Ministry has been asked to provide special funding, totalling $75 million, for urgent remedial work at the National Stadium to address the lighting infrastructure.

She said this remedial work must be completed by September 2024 for the facility to meet the requirements of the world football’s governing body, FIFA, for international matches scheduled to be played at ‘The Office’ in the second and third week of September.

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