Montego Bay, St James, 13 July 2026
Two stretches of downtown Montego Bay are set for upgrades after the St James Municipal Corporation signed contracts to rehabilitate the Harbour Circle roadway and improve sidewalks along St James Street.
The agreements with FSC Construction Limited were signed on Thursday, 9 July, at the municipal corporation’s offices. The work falls under the urban development component of the MoBay Step-Up Programme.
What is being done
About $23 million has been set aside to rehabilitate Harbour Circle, which runs from Howard Cooke Boulevard to the Pier One area. A further $28 million will go towards improving the sidewalks on St James Street.
Lower Lawrence Lane and Long Lane are also due for makeovers similar to the one completed on Lower Market Street, with pavers laid to improve the look of the streets. The upgraded space is also intended to improve conditions for vendors and give the area a more uniform appearance.
The projects are funded by the Tourism Enhancement Fund and are expected to begin in August, continuing over the following months.
Mayor ties works to local economy
Mayor of Montego Bay and corporation chairman Councillor Richard Vernon said the improvements go beyond infrastructure and should help lift economic activity in the city. He added that murals are being installed around the city as part of a wider beautification push, with one already completed at the Henderson Bookstore and others to follow.
Councillor Vernon also announced plans to expand the Montego Bay Infirmary to accommodate at least 50 more people, including cases transferred from Cornwall Regional Hospital. A memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Health and Wellness has progressed, and the corporation is awaiting endorsement from the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development.
What it means for property owners and businesses
Better roads, improved sidewalks and a tidier streetscape can make downtown Montego Bay more appealing to shoppers, visitors and tenants. For owners of commercial and mixed-use buildings in the area, sustained public investment in the city centre is one of the factors that can support rental demand and property values over time. Businesses along the affected routes should expect some disruption once works begin in August.
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