Island Life Centre, New Kingston.
-Carlington Wilmot photo
Susan Smith, Staff Reporter
KEVIN HENDRICKSON, the managing director of Expedition Limited, the new owners of the Island Life building in New Kingston since June, said the space formerly occupied by the Island Cinema is already attracting interest from leasees.
Palace Amusement closed down its 400-seat Island Cinema operation
at the building last week. "The cinema (area) has great possibilities,"
said Mr. Hendrickson. He said a number of theatre companies have
approached him about letting the property on a part-time basis
for shows.
He said the departure of Palace Amusement had not meant a big loss in revenue for Expedi-tion Limited.
REFURBISHING PLANS
The short-term plan is to use the vacant space as a multi-purpose
centre, he said. In a few months he stated that he expects the
occupancy level to have reached a respectable figure.
The managing director revealed plans to refurbish the interior of the Island Life building.
The 10-story, step-pyramid-styled building was bought from Dennis Joslin Jamaica for a reported US$6.5 million. The building not only has a cinema but two floors of retail mall space with food court, gym and bank. There is underground and terrace parking for 140 cars.
"The painting begins in January and we are hoping to retile the floor as well," he said. "I haven't got a full quotation on the cost as yet."
Expedition Limited plans to rename the building once it has decided
on a name and negotiations are complete, Mr. Hendrickson. He said,
"A couple of companies have expressed an interest in putting their
names on the building."
