The Urban Development Corporation’s (UDC) was recently recognized for its engineering achievement in completing the Montego Bay Sports Complex, St James on Saturday, November 19, 2011 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel by the Jamaica Institution of Engineers during its Annual Awards Banquet. The facility was among two other contenders including the Falmouth Cruise Ship Terminal built by the Port Authority of Jamaica and Wigton Windfarm, controlled by the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica who were vying for the prestigious Project of the Year Award. As part of the proceedings, all nominees were presented with a plaque with Wigton Windfarm Farm emerging as the winner.
The Montego Bay Sports Complex, located at Catherine Hall in St. James, was officially opened in 2010, following the upgrading of the facility by Venezuelan contractors Presport Joint Ventures, on behalf of the UDC. The completed works formed phase three of the project and resulted in the construction of grandstand and bleacher seats to accommodate approximately 7,000 spectators. The facility also benefited from the construction of bathrooms, changing rooms, administrative offices, concession areas, storerooms, parking areas, ticket booths and an entrance feature with the requisite access for the physically challenged and the construction of perimeter fencing. The project was financed by a loan from the Bank of Economic and Social Development of Venezuela (BANDES) and the Government of Jamaica.
The Corporation first began work on the Montego Bay Sports Complex during December 2000. Work on phase 1 and 2 of the complex resulted in site preparation, drainage works, preparation of an inner football field, laying of a 400 metre, 8 lane all weather mondo track and inner fencing.
The Montego Bay Sports Complex is part of the UDC’s development plan for the provision of sporting facilities for the people of Montego Bay and western Jamaica. Since completion, the complex has hosted the CARIFTA Games, the CONCACAF under 17 Football Tournament, and has become home for several calendar track and field and football events in Western Jamaica.
The UDC has been involved with Montego Bay since the 1970’s when the Montego Bay Waterfront and Catherine Hall in St. James were designated UDC areas.