Wick Hall Estate breaks ground for 221-home Spanish Town development

A 221-home residential development has been launched in Spanish Town, St. Catherine, with Prime Minister Andrew Holness joining government officials, financiers and the ARC group for the June 12 groundbreaking of Wick Hall Estate at Featherbed Lane.

The project, being advanced by ARC-linked Altra Homes, is planned for 36 acres and is being promoted as an affordable housing option for Jamaican families. Developer Norman Horn, founder and executive chairman of ARC Manufacturing Limited, said the scheme forms part of a wider push to make home ownership more attainable and to help families build long-term security.

Horn said the development will include three housing models, a gated layout, clubhouse, pool, park, playground and almost seven acres of green space. He also said the homes are to be built with solar water heaters, hurricane-resistant windows, solar-ready features, open-plan designs and consideration for Jamaica’s climate.

Financing partners include NCB and First Global Bank. First Global Bank’s 1 per cent owner programme was highlighted as a way for eligible buyers to move closer to purchasing with a smaller deposit requirement. NCB vice-president for corporate banking Carolyn Lynn said the bank was pleased to support a project intended to add quality homes, jobs and investment to Spanish Town and wider St. Catherine.

Spanish Town Mayor Norman Scott said the project reflected what he called the rebirth of Spanish Town. He announced that he would take steps at council to have Featherbed Lane renamed, saying residents should return for the opening of the homes on Featherbed Drive.

Member of Parliament Andrew Wheatley welcomed the investment, saying South Central St. Catherine was open for more residential and commercial development. Holness said the project was an example of the private sector helping to meet Jamaica’s housing demand, while arguing that planned communities with roads, water, amenities and proper design are central to national productivity and orderly development.

The ceremony ended with the official turning of soil by Holness, Horn, Wheatley, Scott, project partners and other representatives.