Portland’s economic landscape is set to evolve dramatically with the introduction of the Boundbrook Urban Centre — a $4.2-billion project aimed at reshaping Port Antonio into a thriving commercial nucleus.
Factories Corporation of Jamaica (FCJ) confirmed that construction is now underway on the new centre, which will offer 148,000 square feet of modern commercial space across 6.68 acres. A portion of the space — approximately 6,500 square feet — has been specifically allocated for business process outsourcing (BPO) operations, highlighting a strategic push towards job creation in high-demand sectors.
The Boundbrook Urban Centre is positioned as the heartbeat of a larger redevelopment masterplan for the north-eastern coastal town, once hailed as the cradle of Jamaica’s tourism industry.
“This project is designed to unlock new economic potential for Portland,” said Lyttleton Shirley, Chairman of FCJ. “It represents the synergy between public and private interests, coming together to create opportunity and growth.”
Without a single formal advertisement, the project has already secured tenant commitments exceeding its total available space — a clear indicator of the pent-up commercial demand in the area.
The centre forms part of a broader initiative led by FCJ, with equity support from Barita Investments Limited and NCB Capital Markets Limited. Construction services are being provided by China Harbour Engineering Company, and the project is expected to reach completion within two years.
A second phase is already planned, set to expand the development onto nearby waterfront lands, creating additional opportunities for businesses to capitalize on Port Antonio’s growth trajectory.
Ramon Small-Ferguson, CEO of Barita Investments, praised the partnership model driving the project, calling it a pivotal milestone for regional development. “This represents a new era for Jamaica — one where projects of this scale are becoming the standard rather than the exception,” he remarked.
Political leaders also underscored the significance of the project. Member of Parliament for Portland Eastern, Ann-Marie Vaz, emphasized that Boundbrook is just one piece of a coordinated development effort that includes new road infrastructure and the forthcoming Portland bypass. She noted that these initiatives are all strategically linked to the proposed cruise ship terminal at Folly, further strengthening the parish’s economic framework.
Plans for the Folly cruise terminal, first unveiled in 2023, center on redeveloping East Harbour, whose depth and size outmatch the more congested West Harbour. With dredging challenges limiting large ship access to the Errol Flynn Marina, the East Harbour expansion is seen as critical for restoring Port Antonio’s historic ties to the cruise tourism sector.
Breaking ground for the Boundbrook Urban Centre on August 14, 2024, marked an important milestone for FCJ’s broader vision of establishing urban hubs across Jamaica. Similar projects are slated for Old Harbour, Naggo Head, and Negril, with each development aimed at delivering sustainable employment, expanding access to public services, and energizing local economies.
Boundbrook now stands as a symbol of the momentum building across Jamaica — a reflection of new ambitions and a stronger, interconnected future for communities once considered overlooked.
