The Morant Bay Urban Centre in St. Thomas is entering a new phase of development, with seven government entities signing leases to occupy space at the facility. 

The move marks a major step in populating the complex nearly a year after it officially opened last April.

The leases represent a key milestone in bringing the Centre fully into operation and are expected to expand access to essential public services in the parish while supporting economic activity in eastern Jamaica.

Among the government entities that signed leases are the Child Protection and Family Services Agency, the Department of Correctional Services, the Jamaica Information Service, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs through its Justice Reform Centre, the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency, the St. Thomas Municipal Corporation and Tax Administration Jamaica.

The development is widely viewed as part of the government’s broader strategy to transform St. Thomas into a hub for public services, business and education.

Minister with responsibility for Land and Titling, Robert Montague, said the Morant Bay Urban Centre represents the first in a series of similar developments planned across Jamaica.

He described the signing of the leases as a strong signal of confidence for both the private and public sector. 

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Morant Bay Urban Centre Limited, Lyttleton  Shirley, said investments of this nature are helping to position St. Thomas as “the parish of Jamaica’s future.”

According to Mr Shirley, developments like the Urban Centre will help to stimulate economic growth while improving convenience and efficiency for residents.

Plans are also advancing for additional urban centres, including the build-out of the Boundbrook Centre in Portland, while others are under consideration for St. Mary, Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth.