A bold new chapter is opening for Portland as a $4.2 billion urban project prepares to break ground in Boundbrook, aiming to reposition Port Antonio as a key driver of Jamaica’s regional development.
The project, led by the Factories Corporation of Jamaica (FCJ) alongside private investors Barita Investments Limited and NCB Capital Markets, is being heralded as more than just a construction venture — it’s being framed as a rebirth of opportunity for the eastern parish.
A New Center of Gravity
Once celebrated as the cradle of Jamaica’s tourism industry, Port Antonio has seen quieter years. Now, the Boundbrook Urban Centre is expected to pull fresh life back into the town’s economy. The development will cover nearly seven acres, delivering 148,000 square feet of commercial space, with room for retail shops, offices, and business process outsourcing operations.
Without a single ad campaign, developers report that over 127% of available units have already been spoken for, an early signal of the pent-up demand for modern facilities in the area.
Government and Private Sector, Side by Side
Planners say the new urban centre is designed to house both government departments and private companies under one coordinated footprint. It’s a hybrid model that has already proven successful in other parishes and is now being customized for Portland’s specific needs.
FCJ’s Chairman Lyttleton Shirley emphasized that the project represents a strategic move toward integrated urban planning. “We’re putting all the key pieces close together—government, business, innovation—so that Portland can move with greater speed and synergy,” he said.
A Bigger Vision Beyond Boundbrook
While Boundbrook’s first phase is the immediate focus, plans are already drawn for an even larger second phase, which will develop neighboring seaside lands once used for rail operations. Construction there is expected to follow quickly after the first phase gains momentum.
Meanwhile, wider infrastructure upgrades are underway across the parish. Member of Parliament Ann-Marie Vaz confirmed that the urban centre is part of a larger plan that includes a new bypass road and a modern cruise ship terminal at Folly. The cruise project, announced in 2023, targets Port Antonio’s East Harbour, where preliminary soil testing revealed the bay’s larger capacity compared to the more silted West Harbour.
These coordinated developments are expected to reinforce Port Antonio’s status not only as a boutique tourism destination but also as a viable commercial center capable of supporting year-round business.
Setting a New Standard for Parish Growth
The Boundbrook development is just one piece of FCJ’s larger strategy to create self-sustaining urban hubs across Jamaica. Upcoming urban centres are also planned for Old Harbour, Naggo Head, and Negril—each designed to fuse public service delivery with private sector expansion.
“This isn’t just about new buildings,” said Barita Investments CEO Ramon Small-Ferguson. “It’s about shifting how Jamaica grows—building smarter, faster, and with greater local impact.”
Construction at Boundbrook will be carried out by China Harbour Engineering Company, with completion targeted within 24 months.
As cranes prepare to rise over Portland’s skyline, Boundbrook stands as a symbol: a parish reclaiming its place in Jamaica’s future.
