MoBay complex rebuild expected to provide western Jamaica boon 

The Montego Bay Sports Complex, branded ‘The Hive’, is set to become western Jamaica’s premier destination for sports, fitness, and wellness, with developers touting an ambitious project as a game changer for athletics and tourism in the region.

Speaking at the unveiling of development plans yesterday, Yoni Epstein, head of the Montego Bay Multi Sports Development Limited (MBMSDL), said the state-of-the-art facility will offer opportunities unlike anything available in western Jamaica.

“I think the transformation is immeasurable at the moment because there's nothing like this in western Jamaica. Frankly, there's nothing like this in Jamaica, and as you heard, Jason Russell, the president of the Chamber of Commerce, when he researched what makes Jamaica big, it’s Bob Marley and athletes, and we are falling into the entertainment and the athletic style of things,” said Epstein, who shared an ambitious vision to transform the Montego Bay Sports Complex.

“We think that once people keep coming to Jamaica, and they know that now there's an international-level sports complex to come to in the tourism mecca of Jamaica, the opportunities are immeasurable,” added Epstein.

The architectural concept, designs and drawings for approval, were done pro bono by Issia Madden, managing director of Design HQ.

Framed as a public-private partnership, the project aims to deliver key phases by 2027, beginning with football facilities expected to be completed by August, as stakeholders position the complex to attract athletes, families and international sporting interests to Montego Bay.

According to Epstein, the sports complex will host various activities, including pickleball, paddle, football, swimming, and fitness. 

Plans include refurbishing the track for track and field events, enhancing recovery facilities with cold and hot pools, saunas and a 40–room dormitory.

“We want this not only to be a place for large events, but a place of everyday activity that the community can come out, walk on the track, if that's what is necessary for you, go to get a membership at Express Fitness, or play a racquet sport, or come together with a dozen people and play football,” said Epstein.

In February, the St James Municipal Corporation (StJMC) and MBMSDL signed a 25-year lease agreement for the development of the facility.

The inking of the deal ends nearly two years of uncertainty since the bidding process closed.

MBMSDL is poised to roll out a $700-million, three-year redevelopment plan aimed at upgrading facilities.

Excited about the project, Richard Vernon, mayor of Montego Bay, highlighted the positive impact of the project on the community, including the engagement of youngsters in sports and a reduction in crime rates.

“I want to recognise the staff at  Montego Bay United (MBU) and the players, youngsters who decided to engage in a positive way and turn away from crime. You cannot get these players if they're not willing, and there are many more talented youngsters out there wasting away, and that is why I'm happy for this,” said Vernon.

The vision also includes social and recreational amenities, such as an Olympic-sized pool and space for tailgating experiences.

Renae Cooke, from MoBay Dolphin Aquatics, is excited about the pool.

“I got so emotional, this project is a dream come true for us. We have been training out of a residential pool prior to Hurricane Melissa. Subsequent to that, we have major damages to that pool, and we were without a pool for a very long time,” said Cooke, whose club uses the Rose Hall Beach Club for training.