The Closed Harbour Beach Park is UDC’s flagship project and is being implemented at a value of J$1.3B with the support of primary funding partner, the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF). Previously known as ‘Dump Up Beach’, this 16-acre property is being transformed into the city’s largest free, public access beach park that will provide much needed green space allocated for outdoor recreational activities.

The main contractor on the project is M&M Jamaica Limited and it is scheduled to be completed in December 2020.

5 Facts on Closed Harbour Beach Park

1. Scheduled to be completed in December 2020: Despite setbacks due to COVID-19, construction works continue at the Closed Harbour Beach Park in Montego Bay and is scheduled for a December 2020 completion. As of August 2020, significant construction work has been advanced. The site has seen the completion of the utility and maintenance buildings, public restrooms and the perimeter fence to the property has been erected. Extensive work has been done to the external areas including commercial shops, jogging trail and at the seating areas. Additionally, earthworks have been ongoing to facilitate the open, green spaces.

2. Free-access public park: On completion, there will be no entrance fee to access the 16-acre Closed Harbour Beach Park. It will be the largest free beach park in Montego Bay.

3. Economic Opportunities: The Park will be a space that provides economic opportunities to the people of Montego Bay and St. James. It will have a number of shops, for concessionary use, giving businesses, including small business, a safe space within which to operate.

4. Community Involvement: Stemming from the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment, the UDC has engaged the public to ‘Name the Park’. This competition has invited the public to submit ideas for the permanent name for the Park. Over 250 names were submitted via social media and the UDC website. The Name the Park Steering Committee is in the process of identifying the top 5 names that will be put for a public vote.

5. Environmentally Sustainable: Careful consideration has been made to manage the environmental sustainability of the project. Closed Harbour incorporates the use of renewable and sustainable technologies to mitigate coastal erosion and provide climate change resiliency.