Montego Bay Sports Complex redevelopment targets western Jamaica talent and sports tourism

Yoni Epstein, who heads Montego Bay Multi-Sports Development Limited (MBMSDL), says the planned upgrade of the Montego Bay Sports Complex is intended to push sports tourism, support young athletes and make high-quality sporting facilities less concentrated in one area.

The St James venue, being marketed as The Hive, is slated to become a leading western Jamaica centre for sport, training and wellness.

Epstein said parishes in the west have a record of producing elite performers, pointing to Usain Bolt and Veronica Campbell-Brown. He said the complex could help identify another wave of Jamaican standouts while also drawing more sports-related travel to the region.

“There could be children that are in the heart of Trelawny that could be the next Usain Bolt or Veronica Campbell-Brown. In St. James, you could have the next Theodore ‘Tappa’ Whitmore or Paul ‘Tegat’ Davis,” added Epstein.

The development is being presented as a public-private effort. Epstein said major parts of the work are expected to be finished by 2027, with the football component scheduled to begin by August.

He said the upgraded complex should give young sportsmen and sportswomen from across western Jamaica a secure place to improve their abilities, build discipline and prepare for life beyond competition.

“The investment is what's going to bring them out. It is a safe haven for kids to learn not only the discipline and the art of their sport, but also to learn life skills for what's next after sport,” said Epstein.

MBMSDL is preparing to implement a three-year redevelopment programme valued at $700 million, focused on improving the existing facilities.

The proposed works include repairs to the athletics track for track and field, along with upgraded recovery areas featuring cold and hot pools, saunas and a 40-room dormitory.

Issia Madden, managing director of Design HQ, said the community-focused project is important for western Jamaica because it will create space for several sporting and recreational uses while improving the experience for residents and visitors. Madden approved the architectural concept, designs and drawings.

“I think this is a fantastic venture for western Jamaica. We are installing many pitches, small and large, for futsol and have the premium pitch that we have to preserve for big matches,” said Madden.

“We are bringing in the popular pickle and paddle ball. They are now having worldwide pickleball tournaments, so why can't we get in on that?” she added.

Madden said the dormitory is intended to house visiting teams, supported by facilities such as a canteen for meals and spaces for training.

“The airport is right there. People and international football clubs can fly in and come and stay right here at the dormitory,” added Madden.

In February, the St James Municipal Corporation (StJMC) and MBMSDL entered into a 25-year lease for the facility’s development.

The Montego Bay Sports Complex opened in June 2010 after being built for US$14.9 million.