New and Emerging Development Schemes Along the St. Ann and St. Mary Coast

The north coast of Jamaica continues to experience sustained development pressure, with St. Ann and St. Mary emerging as two of the most active parishes for new residential and mixed-use schemes. While some projects are large, named master-planned communities, many others are being delivered quietly in phases or as clustered private developments, particularly in coastal and near-coastal zones.

Major Master-Planned and Flagship Developments

One of the most significant new schemes is the Mammee River Development, a large-scale master-planned community being developed by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC). Covering hundreds of acres in the Mammee Bay–Roaring River area, the project includes residential neighbourhoods, commercial zones, green spaces, and supporting infrastructure. Once fully built out, it is expected to fundamentally reshape development patterns along this stretch of the north coast.

In Runaway Bay, the Bahari project represents a new wave of high-density, luxury-oriented coastal redevelopment. The scheme is characterised by modern towers, resort-style amenities, and mixed-use elements designed to elevate the area’s profile as a premium residential and tourism destination.

Also in Runaway Bay is The Vistas at Runaway Bay, a gated residential community developed by the Housing Agency of Jamaica. The project provides a mix of townhouses and detached homes with shared amenities and forms part of a broader strategy to expand planned housing solutions along the coastal fringe.

Emerging Residential Clusters in St. Ann

Beyond the headline projects, several smaller but important residential schemes are coming on stream across St. Ann’s coastal belt.

The Tropix and wider Mammee Bay area has seen the emergence of multiple private housing developments, typically offering modern townhouses and detached units aimed at professionals, returning residents, and diaspora buyers. These schemes benefit from proximity to the North Coast Highway, Ocho Rios, and key commercial services.

In the hills above Ocho Rios, Breadnut Hill has become a focal point for new gated and semi-gated residential communities. Developments here tend to emphasise elevation, views, and lower density while maintaining quick access to the town centre and coastal amenities.

Within the established Ocho Rios Country Club, new housing units are being introduced through infill and expansion projects. These include additional townhouses and upgraded detached homes, reinforcing the area’s appeal as a mature, well-serviced residential enclave.

Further west, Paradisiac Beach Club continues to roll out new phases. The development remains active, with additional residential blocks and investor-focused units being added, maintaining strong demand due to its coastal proximity and resort-style positioning.

St. Mary: Quiet but Accelerating Coastal Growth

While development in St. Mary is generally lower density, momentum is clearly building along key coastal corridors. Tower Isle has emerged as one of the parish’s most dynamic growth areas, with new villas, apartments, and gated housing clusters appearing steadily, many marketed privately rather than under a single scheme name.

Nearby Rio Nuevo is also seeing increased residential activity, supported by highway improvements and its proximity to both St. Ann and Port Maria. These developments tend to favour low-rise, owner-occupier-oriented housing with long-term value potential.

Inland but closely tied to the coast, Edgehill continues to expand through new phases and add-on developments. Homes here often offer ocean views and attract retirees, professionals, and returning residents seeking quieter coastal-region living.

Overall Development Pattern

Taken together, these schemes highlight a clear pattern: St. Ann is absorbing higher-volume, investor-driven and mixed-use development, particularly between Mammee Bay, Ocho Rios, and Runaway Bay, while St. Mary is experiencing quieter, phased growth with strong long-term upside, especially in Tower Isle and Rio Nuevo. Many of the most active developments are not highly branded, which means on-the-ground knowledge remains critical to understanding where the market is truly moving.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this article is provided for general informational purposes only. While care has been taken to ensure accuracy at the time of writing, development schemes, approvals, timelines, and project scopes are subject to change due to planning decisions, market conditions, financing, and regulatory processes.

Some developments referenced may be proposed, under construction, or progressing in phases, and not all projects are formally branded or publicly marketed at the time of publication. Readers are therefore advised to conduct independent due diligence, including verification with developers, planning authorities, real estate professionals, and legal advisors, before making any investment or purchasing decisions.

Nothing in this article should be construed as real estate, legal, financial, or investment advice. The author and publisher accept no responsibility for any loss or damage arising from reliance on the information presented.