Prime Minister Andrew Holness, in his presentation to parliament during the 2018/2019 budget debates revealed that the Factories Corporation of Jamaica (FCJ) was authorised by the government to implement three projects to develop 1.5 million square feet of space. Construction will take place over the next three to five years. The space will be dedicated
to both commercial and industrial enterprises.
Among the engagements expected to be facilitated are agro-processing, business process
outsourcing (BPO), manufacturing, distribution and warehousing. Prime Minster Andrew
Holness, who made the announcement, said 30 per cent of the space will be dedicated to
small and medium-sized enterprises.
outsourcing (BPO), manufacturing, distribution and warehousing. Prime Minster Andrew
Holness, who made the announcement, said 30 per cent of the space will be dedicated to
small and medium-sized enterprises.
This information was revealed during his budget speech which was titled
'Prosperity in Action.' Mr. Holness also noted that there was increased demand for
commercial/production space which amounted to 470,000 square feet in 2017.
'Prosperity in Action.' Mr. Holness also noted that there was increased demand for
commercial/production space which amounted to 470,000 square feet in 2017.
“At Garmex Free Zone, the largest commercial complex in the island, prospective investors
demanded 241,000 square feet of production space. This high demand for space is also
reflected in the increase in occupancy from 86 per cent to 93 per cent over the last 12
months in FCJ facilities,” he indicated.
Holness pointed out that Garmex Free Zone in Kingston sits on 52.7 acres of land, 8.7
acres of which is unused, greenfield “which is ripe for development”. He informed the
House that the style of the existing buildings is “flat” construction, and will be redesigned
to create multilevel structures of higher capacity.
The Prime Minister said that phase one of the project will entail the construction of
360,000 square feet across 14 buildings of varying sizes. The FCJ, said Holness, has also
received full approval from the Public Investment Management Secretariat, adding that
“the procurement process has already started and these buildings are expected to be
delivered by the second quarter of 2019”.
In relation to Morant Bay's revitalisation incorporating the establishment of a new urban
centre at the former Goodyear tyre factory, the prime minister advised that FCJ has also
received conditional approval from the management secretariat for this project
and was awaiting Cabinet's go-ahead for the joint venture agreement.
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