KINGSTON, March 22 (JIS):

The Government is embarking on an Urban Regeneration Programme for the

re-development of targeted areas in Kingston and St. Andrew.

The programme is being done through the National Housing Trust (NHT), in partnership with the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, with support from the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) and the National Water Commission (NWC).

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, in his 2017/18 Budget Debate presentation in the House of Representatives on March 21, said the main objective of the programme is to re-establish desirability for living in areas that were once considered high- to middle-income housing areas.

He said the areas to be redeveloped are close to where people work, attend school, play, shop and socialise.  

“The programme will utilise higher density housing and mixed-use designs. This approach will reduce the cost of construction whilst providing housing solutions of the highest planning, developmental, environmental, energy utilisation and safety standards,” he said.

The areas identified for the pilot projects are Kingston Gardens, Eastwood Park Gardens and Vineyard Town.

CONTACT: DENISE DENNIS