The UDC is undertaking a continuation of the Kingston Waterfront redevelopment as part of its redevelopment plans for the greater downtown Kingston and Port Royal development Area. Its aim is to attract the Jamaican population back downtown as the preferred destination to live,  work,  play  and  do  business,  as  guided  by  the  vision  2030  national  plan.  As  such,  the proposed Festival Marketplace is of key importance.

The objective is to develop a commercial, recreational and entertainment center as a major public amenity for downtown Kingston.

To diversify the food and entertainment offerings along the waterfront, the establishment of a Food Bazaar and an Eatery on the grounds of the Kingston Craft Market (KCM) is being proposed. These offerings are expected to attract visitors and daily workers at lunchtime, stimulate night time activity and attract additional pedestrian traffic to the KCM.