New Boundbrook Urban Centre coming in Portland
Jamaica Live News Desk– | Aug 26, 2025
A new era of growth is set to dawn on Portland at the Boundbrook Urban Centre in Port Antonio. The $4.2 billion project, sprawling across 6.68 acres, promises to deliver thousands of jobs and transform the economic and social landscape of the parish.
The development which broke ground last year August is spearheaded by the Factories Corporation of Jamaica (FCJ) with equity partners National Commercial Bank (NCB) and Barita, and financed by CIBC, mirrors the vision of the Morant Bay Urban Centre. It will host a wide range of services and amenities, including government offices, educational institutions, financial entities, eateries, gaming facilities, medical offices, legal services, BPO operations, beauty salons, and entertainment spaces — all designed to create a vibrant hub of commerce and community.
A Vision for Transformation
Prime Minister Andrew Holness, in his keynote address at the ground-breaking ceremony, hailed the project as a transformative opportunity for Portland and a step toward balanced national development.
“The plans are in place, the finances are in place, the technical skills are being put in place and the programmes are under way,” Holness said, noting that similar projects are slated for Falmouth, Negril, Old Harbour and Hopewell.
One-Stop Experience for Portland
FCJ Chairman, Lyttleton Shirley, expressed confidence in the centre’s success, revealing that space take-up already stands at 110 percent.
“We want to make this Boundbrook Urban Centre a must-stop as part of the ultimate Portland experience,” Shirley said, while assuring residents that the 24-month construction timeline will be strictly adhered to.
Jobs and Opportunities
Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport and Portland Western MP, Hon. Daryl Vaz, lauded the project’s potential to create over 3,000 jobs. Portland Eastern MP Ann-Marie Vaz, meanwhile, called on young people to prepare themselves to seize the opportunities.
“Now is the time to upskill, the time to get certified,” Mrs. Vaz urged. “This development is already providing jobs and will bring hundreds more during construction and afterwards, with new and expanded businesses operating here.”
Dignitaries in Attendance
The historic event was attended by a number of dignitaries, including Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill; Deputy Mayor of Port Antonio, Councillor Rohan Vassel; and NCB Financial Group Chairman, Hon. Michael Lee-Chin.
As construction begins, anticipation builds for what many believe will be the most significant development in Portland’s recent history — a project set to redefine Port Antonio as both a cultural and commercial hub.