Grange unveils National Stadium redevelopment plans

The Government has unveiled new details of the planned redevelopment of the National Stadium in St Andrew, with Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, describing the project as a "once-in-a-lifetime" redevelopment that will significantly transform Jamaica's premier sporting facility.

Grange, contributing to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, said the upgraded National Stadium will have a seating capacity of 37,500, with roof coverage and shade for every seat.

"There will be improved views from every seat. We will move the seats closer to the action and improve safety for everyone," she told Parliament.

The minister said the venue will also be able to accommodate up to 50,000 people for concerts by utilising both the stands and the playing field.

Grange announced that the redeveloped stadium will include 30 hospitality boxes, two VIP royal boxes, two hospitality lounges, a fan boulevard and two fan zones.

The project will also provide meeting facilities, dedicated media suites with a television studio and broadcast facilities, as well as a venue operations centre.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime redevelopment. I'm taking the opportunity to do as much as we can to move to the next level," she said.

Meanwhile, Grange also announced that two additional facilities will be constructed as part of the Government's redevelopment programme.

"The first is a new sports hall, which will be a flexible, multi-sport, multi-use, naturally ventilated facility for training and competition. We're also constructing a throws area that will facilitate training in the shot put, discus, hammer throw and javelin," Grange said.

According to the minister, the throws area will include shelters for athletes during rest periods and provide easy access to the sports hall, gym and changing facilities.

She added that the project will also include two-tiered parking areas to improve parking capacity and convenience.

Grange further disclosed that Stadium East will also undergo major improvements as part of the redevelopment.

"We intend for Stadium East to become a 4,000-seat venue with a track and field setup similar to the main stadium. Stadium East will continue to serve as a training venue, a warm-up facility, and the venue of choice, especially for athlete development and smaller events," she said.

As Grange delivered her presentation in Parliament, members of the House and members of the public following the proceedings were shown a series of visual renderings of the proposed redevelopment.

The presentation featured 3D architectural graphics illustrating the planned transformation of the National Stadium complex, giving viewers a glimpse of the redesigned venue and several of the new facilities expected to form part of the project.

The minister was providing Parliament with an update on the Government's plans for the comprehensive redevelopment of the National Stadium complex.

- Andre Williams

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