Gregory Park, St. Catherine – August 5, 2025
Work has officially begun on the Serenity Grove Housing Development Project in Gregory Park, St. Catherine. The $109-million initiative, part of the New Social Housing Programme (NSHP), will deliver 10 housing units designed to accommodate approximately 38 residents who lost their homes in a 2023 arson attack.
The development will include four two-bedroom units and six three-bedroom units, alongside external works such as walkways and sewerage connections. Construction is scheduled to begin this month, with completion targeted for February 2026. The project will be executed by PaveCon Limited under the NSHP’s “upgrade of the tenement” modality.
Background
In August 2023, Gregory Park was the site of a violent incident that left two people dead and displaced several families. One of the survivors, later identified as the legal landowner, also passed away, creating complications in establishing ownership. The National Land Agency (NLA) was tasked with completing the necessary legal processes, including securing rights to the land under the Registration of Titles, Cadastral Mapping and Tenure Clarification Special Provisions Act. This allowed for the project to move forward with waivers of subdivision and related property fees.
Significance of the Development
The New Social Housing Programme (NSHP), which falls under the Housing, Opportunity, Production and Employment (HOPE) Programme, focuses on providing secure, affordable housing for vulnerable Jamaicans.
According to Arlene Williams, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, projects such as Serenity Grove play a vital role not just in shelter, but in social stability:
“When you live in safe, decent homes, it enhances pride in yourselves and your community. It restores your dignity and increases your hope in a better, brighter future for yourselves and for your children.”
Community Impact
Since the 2023 incident, Gregory Park has also seen improvements in security, with a new police post established in the area. Reports indicate that the community has recorded no murders so far this year, the lowest in three decades.
The Serenity Grove Project is one of several currently underway. As of August 2025, a total of 300 housing units have been completed under the NSHP, with 45 more in progress and 65 projects set to start during the financial year.
Disclaimer
This article is published by Jamaica Homes for informational purposes only. It is a neutral summary of publicly available information regarding the Serenity Grove Housing Development Project. Jamaica Homes is not affiliated with the Government of Jamaica, the New Social Housing Programme (NSHP), or any contractors mentioned. All details are based on official reports at the time of publication and are subject to change.