Private financers and Jamaican Sports Ministry officials have opened discussions on upgrading Trelawny Stadium into a high-performance complex through a potential $550m (£434m/€515m) investment while possible renovation works to the National Stadium have received a boost.
It would see the stadium accommodate for 21 sports disciplines, host international events, award ceremonies, and serve as training grounds.
At Jamaica’s annual Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives, Sports Minister Olivia Grange emphasised that the work would be driven by private equity and not public funding.
“This sports tourism development also proposes the construction of high-rise condominiums and a hotel,” she said.
“The discussions about this exciting development are going well and I look forward to more constructive talks towards a deal.
“In the meantime, we continue to make Trelawny Stadium available for a range of activities. So far this year, the stadium has hosted cricket tournament matches, parties, the Jamaica Youth Festival and church services.”
The Jamaican government has also recently signed a Framework for Cooperation with its counterpart from the United Kingdom which could result in the redevelopment of the National Stadium in Kingston.
Grange stated that the Ministry of Finance signed on behalf of Jamaica while UK Export Finance represented its government.
Previous estimates have indicated that it would cost around $100m to redevelop the stadium at Independence Park.
“Through this framework, a team of architects and project managers from the UK held discussions with my team at the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport and sent us a proposal for the renovation and re-development of facilities at Independence Park, particularly the National Stadium,” Grange said at the Sectoral Debate.
“The document, in essence, proposes to not only address the shortcomings of the existing stadium but also to identify 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 Ministry of Finance is set to finalise a funding agreement and release money so that the first phase of the development can begin. This would be a stadium assessment and feasibility study.
Grange has also asked the Ministry for J$75m (£380,000/$480,000/€450,000) for urgent repair work that needs to be completed by September so that the stadium can meet FIFA requirements for hosting international matches.
