Sunday, June 22, 2014 | 10:16 AM
KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Urban Development Corporation (UDC) General Manager, Desmond Malcolm, says that the agency is continuing its acquisition and refurbishing of historic and derelict buildings in downtown Kingston, to provide more office space for public and private sector entities.
Malcolm says this engagement, which complements renewal efforts being carried out in that section of the city by the Kingston Restoration Company (KRC), will be undertaken either by the UDC, or through contracted developers.
The UDC General Manager made the disclosure during a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank at the latter agency’s head office in Kingston.
Malcolm said the UDC is also currently refurbishing markets in downtown Kingston — the Jubilee Market, Red Rose Fish Market, and phase two refurbishing of the Coronation Market.
This, he explained, is being done “because we recognize that the market district is a very important part of the commercial activities in downtown Kingston.”
The UDC recently remodelled and refurbished the Simon Bolivar Cultural Centre at the North Parade/Church Street intersection in downtown Kingston, for which the agency received the Jamaica Institute of Architects’ Award for Excellence.
The Corporation, in its capacity as project manager, undertook the preparation of architectural drawings; obtained the necessary approvals; and supervised the construction works.
“It is a spectacular building, and will certainly add a lot to the Parade area,” said Malcolm.
The UDC is also providing technical support for maintenance of the historic Ward Theatre, which is adjacent to the Simon Bolivar Cultural Centre.
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UDC acquiring, refurbishing derelict buildings downtown Kingston
