In 2017, the Government of Jamaica announced that it had received an unsolicited proposal for a public-private partnership from China Construction Company, South America (CCASA) to develop a master plan that resulted in the signing of a memorandum of understanding with CCASA and the GOJ-Urban Development Corporation. The master plan, in its current form, would pave the way for construction of a new Parliament building, government ministries and a national museum. The proposal calls for the Parliament building to be sited in the centre of Heroes Park on an estimated 19.5 acres, with the museum taking up 4.2 acres. So in addition to the 15 acres already fenced off for the memorial sites, this plan effectively removes 40 acres of the 50-acre site.
Following the publicisation of the plan, and a letter expressing concern and displeasure with the plan and the way it was developed from prominent Jamaican architects and architectural groups, overwhelming responses to the redevelopment plan have been negative, and plenty of opposition has come from different segments of the island. See the timeline below.
Friday, March 10, 2017
March 29, 2018
Monday, April 30, 2018
A letter from the College of the Fellows of the Jamaica Institute of Architects expresses concerns that the master plan was to be developed and finalised by CCASA/UDC without the benefit of any public consultations; would require the demolition of the buildings that now house the ministries of finance, education, and labour and social security; and would have a devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of residents of the area.
Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Friday, May 11, 2018
- Ransford Braham: That Heroes Circle Project
- JIS: Plans Advanced For Gov’t Campus At National Heroes Park
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
- Contributors: National Heroes Park Must Remain True To Its Intended Purpose
- THE STAR: Owen ‘Blakka’ Ellis: Cyaan Stop Talk Bout Heroes Park
Friday, May 18, 2018
Sunday, May 20, 2018
Monday, May 21, 2018
‘As citizens required to foot the bill, we have a right to answers to the following questions: Why has there been no open competitive process to ensure least-cost and best benefits? Has there been sufficient consultation with stakeholders (especially communities impacted, development professionals, etc)? Doesn’t the exclusive partnership with CCASA render them unjustifiably advantaged? Hasn’t the MOU with CCASA not put other firms, whether local, regional or international, at a competitive disadvantage, especially if as the sole designated concept designer for the project CCASA later competes for the job as developer?’, asks columnist Jeanette Calder.
- Editorial: Quality Governance better Than Shiny Buildings
- Jeanette Calder: Should Heroes’ Circle Investors Comply Or Get ‘Bly’?
Friday, May 25, 2018
Saturday, May 26, 2018
Monday, May 28, 2018
June 22, 2018
Saturday, July 21, 2018
Sunday, July 22, 2018
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
Thursday, July 26, 2018
- Are We Mad? Major Concerns Expressed Over Planned Demolishing Of Buildings
- Resident Believes Opposition To Heroes Circle Development Driven By Fear of Loss Of Votes
- No Mass Destruction – UDC Seeks To Allay Fears Of Residents About Heroes Circle Project
- Letter to the Editor: Don’t Put Parliament In Heroes’ Park
Monday, July 30, 2018