Trelawny Jamaica, renowned for its rich historical legacy and as the birthplace of the fastest man in the world, “Usain Bolt” is poised for yet another record making feat. This time, the redevelopment of Falmouth, chief town and capital of the parish. Situated on Jamaica's north coast, just east of Montego Bay, Falmouth is reputed for being one of the Caribbean’s best preserved Georgian towns.
Plans to facilitate the development of the historic town are moving apace as the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) has been mandated by Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Hon. Orette Bruce Golding to declare the town a UDC designated area and to adopt a multi-agency collaborative approach to its redevelopment.
The Corporation has already started this process, with several key stakeholders coming together to draft the Greater Falmouth Redevelopment Plan 2010-2030, which will guide the town’s redevelopment. This plan will facilitate the orderly development of the area focusing on the management of land use, allocation for residential, commercial, industrial, resort, institutional, recreational, agricultural and conservation purposes.
One component of the plan currently being co-ordinated by the Corporation is the Historic Falmouth Town Centre Upgrading Programme. This includes beautification of the town and improved traffic management. This will result in the immediate improvement of the town in preparation for the world’s largest cruise ship, the Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas which will arrive in the island on January 5, 2011.
Upwards of 6000 visitors are expected to our shores on that maiden as well as subsequent voyages.
On completion of this project, Falmouth will become the country’s first ever thematic port destination, incorporating the charm of Georgian architecture which characterizes the streetscapes of old Falmouth. A new beginning, one of exciting possibilities.