Montego Bay Sports Complex lease to be finalised today

After nearly two years and mounting public scrutiny, the completion of the long-awaited lease agreement between the St James Municipal Corporation (StJMC) and the Montego Bay Multi-Sports Development Ltd (MBMSDL) will take place today

The StJMC announced a week ago that it will officially hand over the facility to the lone bidder, MBMSDL, clearing the way for a multimillion-dollar transformation of the historic venue.

The signing comes after controversy surrounding approval delays at the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development.

Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie said last year his office was working to have the approvals done, and that the process was not being slowed.

With the administrative hurdles now resolved, MBMSDL is poised to roll out a $700-million, three-year redevelopment plan aimed at upgrading facilities for football, track and field, swimming and racquet sports.

The company projects annual operational spending of more than $51 million, with rent to be paid through one per cent of revenue generated from ticket sales and usage fees – a model stakeholders hope will usher in a new era of sustainable sports management in Montego Bay.

The lease agreement is for 25 years.

The once-pristine home of Montego Bay United Football Club (MBUFC) was extensively damaged during the passage of Hurricane Melissa late last year and will not be ready for the remainder of the Jamaica Premier League season. There has been no word yet on whether that damage will impact the budget of the new owners.

The setback is a major blow for the once-vibrant venue, which has now been left scarred and unusable.

With the stadium out of use, MBUFC has been forced to relocate to Jarrett Park in the city.

The track had already deteriorated tremendously over the past few years, and was taken out of service over fears that continued use could result in athletes suffering serious injuries.

The last time the Milo Western Relays was held at the Montego Bay Sports Complex, for instance, was in February 2018.

Since then, all major track events have had to be shifted to venues as far away as St Catherine.

The Montego Bay Sports Complex, which was developed at US$14.9 million, was opened in June 2010.