UDC signs Segment 2 design contract for Kingston Harbour Walk

KINGSTON — The Urban Development Corporation on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, signed a contract for feasibility studies and detailed designs for Segment 2 of the Kingston Harbour Walk, advancing plans for a continuous climate-resilient waterfront from downtown Kingston toward Port Royal.

The ceremony was held at the Caribbean Cement Company Limited Staff Sports Club and Wellness Centre. The assignment covers about 10 kilometres from near the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade to Harbour View, with financing from the Government of Jamaica and the Caribbean Development Bank. CDB official Dr Orande Small said the bank is supporting the work with a US$1.4 million grant from its Special Development Fund, backed by Italian and European Union resources under the CARE programme.

UDC Chairman Norman Brown said the harbour walk is among Jamaica’s most ambitious urban regeneration and climate-resilience undertakings. He noted Kingston Harbour is the world’s seventh-largest natural harbour, yet much of the waterfront has stayed underused and exposed to climate risk. Segment 1 is already under way through the Kingston Waterfront Improvement Project, led by the UDC with the Jamaica Social Investment Fund and World Bank financing. Later phases are to extend along the Palisadoes to historic Port Royal, forming a roughly 25-kilometre promenade.

Small said the Raytown-to-Harbour View stretch should directly serve an estimated 32,000 residents and bring wider benefits to more than 660,000 people in the Kingston metropolitan area. The consultancy joint venture — City Forest, Felix and Aqua Antara — is to deliver shoreline and hydrographic studies, environmental and social assessments, climate-risk analysis, engineering investigations, detailed designs, and cost estimates.

Caribbean Cement Managing Director Jorge Martinez welcomed guests and pledged the company’s continued partnership along the Rockfort–Harbour View corridor. Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness, who marked his birthday at the event, said the island must reclaim downtown Kingston and build for a changing climate. He urged designs that are iconic, functional, accessible and cost-effective, and linked the corridor’s upgrade to the SPARK 2 programme covering Sir Florizel Glasspole Boulevard and Windward Road.

Permanent Secretary Arlene Williams witnessed the signing with joint-venture representatives Martin Sorbata and Mail Van Dreen. UDC General Manager Robert Hunigan closed by recalling that a Kingston waterfront plan was first outlined in 1968 under then Finance and Planning Minister Edward Seaga, saying the corporation is now delivering on that long-held vision.